Zoox, the automated technology startup acquired by Amazon, has obtained a permit from California authorities to test its cars on public roads.
However, the permit isn’t for all the public roads in the city. Still, it’s notable because the company can test its cars without a human behind the wheels. Moreover, the California Department of Motor Vehicles has issued a permit for specific parts of Foster City in San Mateo County.
Mark Roseland, the chief security officer at Zoox, called it a big milestone in the company’s commitment to providing safe, driverless cars to the citizens of California. Moreover, Zoox is aiming to build a purpose-built electric vehicle, develop, validate, and test the technology and operate a robotaxi fleet. Amazon has stated that Zoox will keep on working as a standalone company.
Zoox got a permit to test its autonomous vehicles back in 2016. This new permit will allow to company to test two autonomous vehicles without a driver. The vehicles will be able to operate in fair weather conditions, like fog and light rain.
Although several companies have permits to test autonomous vehicles with a human safety driver, it’s quite difficult to get permission for driverless cars. Currently, only AutoX, Nuro, and Waymo have obtained driverless permits. Companies with driverless permits have to provide a bond of $5 million. Moreover, they need to follow the rules, like training remote operators on the technology.
Zoox has a permit which it obtained in 2018 to transport people in its autonomous vehicles. These permits come under the jurisdiction of California Public Utilities Commission and have several rules and requirements. However, this permit doesn’t allow the companies to charge the customers.
Zoox has been testing its vehicles in Las Vegas for some time, which is another great target market. Back in 2019, the company obtained permission from the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles to drive autonomously on the roads. Moreover, the startup was testing new routes in the Las Vegas region last year.
