Zoox wins US approval to charge fares for driverless robotaxi rides

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Amazon-owned Zoox has received a temporary exemption from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to operate its autonomous vehicles commercially. The NHTSA ruling allows Zoox to deploy up to 2,500 vehicles per year over the next two years. The exemption waives requirements for traditional driving controls such as steering wheels, pedals, mirrors, and windshield defrosters. Zoox's purpose-built vehicles are designed entirely for passengers, featuring bench seating and sliding doors rather than a driver's cockpit. This approval marks a significant milestone, enabling Zoox to collect fares for rides in its steering-wheel-free robotaxis for the first time.

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