Nevada Transportation Authority Approves Autonomous Vehicle Network Applications for Tesla, Waymo and Aviari

Commissioners of the Nevada Transportation Authority (“NTA” or “Authority”) have unanimously approved applications from Tesla Robotaxi, LLC, Waymo LLC and Aviari Services, LLC to operate as Autonomous Vehicle Network Companies in Nevada.

The applications were considered during the General Session Meeting held on August 20 under the permitting framework established by Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) Chapter 706B and Nevada Administrative Code (NAC) Chapter 706B. The approvals authorize each company to provide paid passenger transportation in fully autonomous vehicles within Clark County, subject to the operational design domain and other conditions approved by the Authority.

The approved geographic area includes the Harry Reid International Airport, however, companies will not be allowed to service the airport without first obtaining the necessary authorization from the Clark County Department of Aviation.

Under the approved orders, Tesla is authorized for a fleet of up to 5,000 fully autonomous vehicles during the first 12 months following issuance of its permit. Waymo and Aviari are each authorized for up to 1,000 fully autonomous vehicles during their respective first 12 months.

The approvals are subject to compliance with requirements established by the NTA before vehicles may be placed into service. Among other requirements, the companies must provide vehicle inspection documentation, maintain required insurance, submit applicable rates to the NTA before offering transportation to the public, provide information regarding their customer-facing applications for regulatory review, and comply with applicable requirements concerning accessibility, nondiscrimination, receipts and reporting.

The permits also require the companies to report crashes (pursuant to NRS 706B.260) and other events as required by law, maintain inspection (subject to NRS 706B.220), maintenance and repair records subject to (NRS 706B.220), and operate only within the scope of authority granted by the NTA. The orders provide that operations must commence within 120 days after the permits are issued and that the companies may not provide transportation services until the applicable requirements have been satisfied.

Commissioners also required that each applicant provide first responders within their service area a 24-hour emergency contact.

“Nevada has established a regulatory framework for autonomous vehicle network companies that is intended to provide a clear process for innovation while maintaining regulatory oversight,” said Nevada Department of Business and Industry Director Kristopher Sanchez. “As autonomous vehicle technology continues to develop and these companies scale up their operations, I support the NTA’s commitment to evaluate the existing regulatory framework and make adjustments when appropriate to ensure that the safety of the traveling public remains a central consideration.”

 The NTA retains jurisdiction over the permits and the companies' compliance with the conditions established in the orders. Changes to an approved operational design domain, geofence or operating parameters require prior approval from the Authority. The orders provide that the permits will be issued upon verification by NTA staff that the respective applicants have satisfied the conditions established by the Authority.

About the Nevada Transportation Authority

The Nevada Transportation Authority, a division of the Department of Business and Industry administers and enforces state laws pertaining to passenger transportation, household goods movers, storage of household goods, and tow cars.  They also regulate the taxicab industry outside of Clark County. The NTA has been charged with the responsibility of providing fair and impartial regulation, to promote safe, adequate, economical and efficient service, and to foster sound economic conditions in motor transportation. The NTA encourages the establishment and maintenance of reasonable charges for intrastate transportation by fully regulated carriers and non-consent towing services.

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