Tesla now has 42 autonomous vehicles authorized for driverless ride-hailing in Texas, a fleet that represents a fraction of the state’s burgeoning robotaxi ecosystem. This figure stands in stark contrast to Waymo, Alphabet’s dominant autonomous vehicle division, which boasts a fleet of 577 authorized robotaxis within the Lone Star State, according to newly accessible records from the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles.
These updated records, published on May 28th, coincide with the implementation of a new state law that significantly enhances Texas’s oversight of commercial driverless vehicle operators. Previously, the state permitted AV testing and operations provided they met the same safety and insurance standards as conventional vehicles. The new legislation mandates that operators of driverless vehicles, including industry heavyweights like Tesla and Waymo, must self-certify their autonomous vehicles as Level 4, adhering to the SAE International standards. Level 4 autonomy generally signifies a vehicle’s capability to operate under normal weather conditions and on typical road networks without human intervention.
While Waymo has consistently classified its robotaxis as Level 4, Tesla has historically informed regulators that the majority of its vehicles are equipped with Level 2 driver-assistance systems. This divergence in classification raises questions about Tesla’s assertion of Level 4 capabilities for its nascent robotaxi service.
Tesla launched its “Robotaxi” branded service in Texas in June 2025. However, the company has remained tight-lipped regarding the specific methodology behind its self-certification of fleet vehicles as Level 4. The company did not immediately respond to inquiries for comment.
The advancement of driverless technology is a cornerstone of Tesla’s future growth strategy. As the electric vehicle market intensifies with escalating competition, CEO Elon Musk is keen to solidify his company’s position at the vanguard of artificial intelligence and robotics. However, Tesla faces a substantial hurdle in catching up to Waymo, which has already established a commercial fleet of nearly 4,000 vehicles across the United States and is aggressively expanding its paid services into new markets.
In Texas specifically, Tesla is not only trailing Waymo but also smaller players in the autonomous vehicle space. AV Ride, for instance, has 317 authorized automated vehicles in the state, while Amazon’s Zoox operates a fleet of 35. This fragmented landscape underscores the evolving nature of the autonomous mobility sector.
Tesla’s Austin-based fleet has been involved in 17 documented incidents between July 2025 and April 2026, according to filings with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Of these, two incidents resulted in minor injuries, with one requiring hospitalization. It is important to note that these incidents occurred while human safety supervisors were present in the vehicles.
While Tesla has applied for driverless testing permits in Arizona, Nevada, and Florida, it has not yet commenced paid driverless ride services in these states. The company’s cautious expansion strategy, coupled with ongoing regulatory scrutiny, suggests a deliberate approach to scaling its autonomous operations.
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