Zoox has announced receipt of the first-ever commercial exemption for a purpose-built autonomous robotaxi from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), granting official federal regulatory approval to charge for its robotaxi service. Zoox teams are working with regulators in Nevada and California to complete requirements for commercial operations. Over the last twelve years, the company engaged with the NHTSA on matters including ‘outdated’ FMVSS requirements. In 2025, the Administration & NHTSA opened a new exemption pathway for domestic manufacturers developing next-generation autonomous vehicles, and in August of that year, Zoox became the first AV company to receive a demonstration exemption under this process. Last year, Zoox launched its free service in Las Vegas and its Zoox Explorers Program in San Francisco, which have welcomed a combined total of over half a million riders, with another half a million on a waiting list. Zoox will begin charging fares in Las Vegas, Nevada, this month.