Tesla asked Las Vegas for 5,000 robotaxi permits. Sin City gave it 10, capped the speed at 45mph, and banned airport trips

Tesla requested permits for 5,000 autonomous robotaxis in Las Vegas, but the Nevada Transportation Authority granted only 10, limiting them to an approved Strip corridor and capping their speed at 45 mph. The permit also restricted passenger pickups within a quarter-mile of the airport. Every vehicle must be marked "Robotaxi," riders must be informed of their driverless ride, and operations must adhere to Society of Automotive Engineers standards, requiring human supervision.

This arrangement impacts multiple Clark County departments, including fire services, business licenses, and Harry Reid International Airport. Tesla is investing $3.1 million to retrofit a 37,000-square-foot facility for Las Vegas robotaxi operations. The permit reflects the authority's cautious approach, having started with Zoox as a template for scaling up.

Tesla is now operating 10 cars on a restricted portion of the Strip, while Zoox has logged over 3 million miles and carried nearly a million riders in Nevada.