Zoox can now charge for rides in its steering-wheel-free robotaxis

<figure> <img alt="An image of a Zoox robotaxi" data-caption="" data-portal-copyright="Image: Amazon" data-has-syndication-rights="1" src="https://platform.theverge.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/1785362418-zoox-robotaxi-driving-in-las-vegas-nevada.webp?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;crop=0,0,100,100" /> <figcaption> </figcaption> </figure> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Zoox just got permission to charge for robotaxi rides in its boxy, steering-wheel-less vehicles. On Thursday, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration <a href="https://www.nhtsa.gov/press-releases/cutting-red-tape-safely-fast-track-automated-vehicle">announced</a> it has granted the Amazon-owned Zoox a temporary exemption, allowing it to deploy up to 2,500 vehicles annually over the next two years, as reported earlier <a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/amazons-zoox-wins-first-us-approval-paid-robotaxis-with-no-human-controls-2026-07-30/">by <em>Reuters</em></a>.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">The NHTSA's decision exempts Zoox from rules requiring vehicles to have traditional controls, like a steering wheel, pedals, windshield defrosting, and mirrors. Zoox's vehicles are built with passengers in mind, rather than drivers, <a href="https://www.theverge.com/transportation/955822/zoox-robotaxi-refresh-updates-seats-audio-color">featuring an interior with two bench seats and sliding doors</a>. Until now, Zo …</p> <p><a href="https://www.theverge.com/transportation/973099/zoox-amazon-nhtsa-robotaxi-approval">Read the full story at The Verge.</a></p>