First Application of US Autonomous Vehicle Exemption Program to Domestic Manufacturer
The US Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) granted an exemption on August 6 to Amazon-owned autonomous taxi development company Zoox, allowing public road testing of autonomous vehicles without conventional driving controls. This marks the first application of the Autonomous Vehicle Exemption Program (AVEP) announced in April to US-manufactured vehicles.
Previous System Limitations and Significance of Policy Change
Previously, only imported vehicles were eligible for exemptions, creating disadvantageous conditions for US companies. The policy change enables vehicles that do not comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) to operate on US public roads through simplified and expedited exemption procedures. This measure resolves the debate over whether autonomous vehicles without steering wheels or pedals can comply with FMVSS.
Zoox Development History and Current Status
Zoox announced self-certification in July 2022, but NHTSA expressed concerns and initiated an investigation in March 2023 to examine procedures and data. Subsequently, the company began public road testing near its headquarters in Foster City, California, with purpose-built vehicles and expanded testing areas to Las Vegas and San Francisco. The current exemption allows NHTSA to conclude its investigation into Zoox's self-certification.
Commercialization Initiatives
In June, the company opened an autonomous vehicle manufacturing facility in the San Francisco Bay Area targeting annual production of 10,000 units, clarifying its path to commercial service deployment. While commercial services have not yet begun, test operations are being conducted in San Francisco, Las Vegas, Chicago, Austin, and Miami. In January 2025, the company conducted an early ride experience program for the general public at CES 2025 held in Las Vegas.