Nevada Approves 7,000 Robotaxis for Tesla, Waymo and Aviari

The Nevada Transportation Authority unanimously approved permits allowing Tesla, Inc., Waymo LLC, and Aviari to operate commercial robotaxi services in Clark County and Las Vegas. The decision authorizes a combined fleet of 7,000 autonomous vehicles over the next 12 months, with Tesla, Inc. granted a ceiling of 5,000 vehicles, while Waymo LLC and Aviari each received approval for 1,000.

This broad authorization marks a significant shift from a limited permit issued on August 19, which restricted Tesla, Inc. to just 10 vehicles operating within a specific corridor along the Las Vegas Strip with human supervision and speed caps of 45 mph. Under the new expanded permits, all three companies are authorized to charge for rides. To maintain these approvals, the companies must submit insurance documentation, vehicle inspection records, and customer-facing applications for regulatory review.

While the companies may operate to and from Harry Reid International Airport, they must still obtain separate authorization from the Clark County Department of Aviation. The expansion faced opposition from the Livery Operators Association and local taxi companies, who raised concerns regarding roadway overcrowding and market oversaturation, particularly in the Golden Triangle area. Tesla, Inc. is currently investing $3.1 million to retrofit a facility in the southwest Las Vegas valley to support its fleet deployment.