Tesla formally submitted to test and operate autonomous cars in Arizona, marking its plan to launch a full-fledged robotaxi service in the Phoenix metropolitan region. The automaker began the certification process with the Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) within the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) on June 26, with plans to implement driver-assisted as well as fully autonomous vehicles in the area.
The expansion comes after the firm’s small, invite-only robotaxi pilot in South Austin. Recently, CEO Elon Musk announced that Tesla would be expanding in Austin and is applying for regulatory permission to enter the Bay Area next.
Early Discussions and Regulatory Channels
Tesla Pushes to Launch Robotaxi Service in Phoenix, Files for
Tesla
According to TechCrunch, the regulatory dialogue in Arizona is just beginning. Tesla’s senior regulatory counsel, Casey Blaine, has already spoken with members of ADOT and the Arizona Commerce Authority. Blaine also asked for introductions to Maricopa County officials, such as local law enforcement, to ensure a smooth launch.
BREAKING: I have confirmed directly with the Arizona Department of Transportation that @Tesla reached out to them on June 26th to begin the certification process to operate an autonomous Robotaxi service in the state.
“Tesla has applied for both autonomous vehicle… pic.twitter.com/f3n7ODsiMp
— Sawyer Merritt (@SawyerMerritt) July 10, 2025
Whereas California has a more involved approval process, involving several permits by both the Department of Motor Vehicles and the Public Utilities Commission, Arizona’s is relatively simplified.
Autonomous vehicle testing in Arizona follows a self-certification process, with or without a safety driver, but launching a fare-based robotaxi service still requires a Transportation Network Company (TNC) permit.
Read more:
Tesla Pulls the Plug on Cybertruck Range Extender, Rolls Out Refunds for Canceled Battery Upgrade
Tesla’s Expanding Robotaxi Network
Tesla’s robotaxi plans have taken off quickly. Following the rollout of its pilot in South Austin, the company is expanding into new markets and exploring the red tape that regulates autonomous vehicle operations in each state.
Though it has maintained a permit in California to test AVs with a safety driver since 2014, Tesla still hasn’t filed for driverless testing or deployment in that state.
Arizona’s more permissive regulatory environment, by contrast, makes it an appealing entry point for Tesla’s self-driving fleet.
If approved, Tesla’s robotaxis would directly compete with Waymo, which already operates a driverless ride-hailing service over 315 square miles in the Phoenix metropolitan area, including cities such as Scottsdale, Chandler, Tempe, and downtown Phoenix. Waymo also serves California and has partnered with Uber in Atlanta and Austin.
Waymo is currently the leader with its operational robotaxi services and has both AV and TNC permits in California and Arizona. Tesla, being a leader in autonomous car technology, is still finding the necessary regulatory avenues to commercialize ride-hailing services in most major markets.
Related Article:
Tesla Starts Ride Hailing Tests With Employees in San Francisco, Austin Using FSD Supervised