Tesla has secured a statewide rideshare permit from the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation for its Robotaxi service, allowing the company to operate fully autonomous ride-hailing vehicles across Texas, including without a human safety driver onboard. This permit classifies Tesla Robotaxi LLC as a Transportation Network Company (TNC), placing it alongside established ride-hailing firms such as Uber and Lyft under new Texas autonomous vehicle regulations effective September 1, 2025. The license is valid through August 6, 2026, and positions Texas as a key launchpad for Tesla's driverless ride-hailing expansion. Tesla plans to open Robotaxi services to the public in Austin next month, with further expansion anticipated. The company is also reportedly recruiting personnel to test its driver-assistance technology in New York City, indicating potential growth of its ride-hailing services into other major U.S. markets. Following the announcement, Tesla's stock rose by as much as 3.8%, reflecting investor optimism about the company's autonomous vehicle business prospects. A recent review of a Tesla Robotaxi ride in downtown Austin highlighted smooth navigation and safe handling of complex traffic scenarios, underscoring the operational readiness of the service.