Feds Approve Self-Driving Zoox Car Without Wipers or Mirrors
Published Date: 7/31/2026
Notice
Summary
NHTSA is granting an exemption to Zoox, Inc. (Zoox) to allow it to manufacture and deploy commercially a passenger car, which is equipped with an Automated Driving System (ADS), that does not comply with certain requirements in the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS). Specifically, NHTSA grants Zoox an exemption for its Zoox sedan from certain requirements in eight FMVSS: FMVSS No. 103, Windshield defrosting and defogging systems; FMVSS No. 104, Windshield wiping and washing systems; FMVSS No. 108, Lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment; FMVSS No. 111, Rear visibility; FMVSS No. 135, Light vehicle brake systems; FMVSS No. 201, Occupant protection in interior impact; FMVSS No. 205, Glazing materials; and FMVSS No. 208, Occupant crash protection. NHTSA is granting Zoox's application on the basis that compliance with these requirements would prevent Zoox from selling, or otherwise commercially deploying, a motor vehicle with an overall safety level at least equal to the overall safety level of a vehicle that complies with all applicable FMVSS. NHTSA grants Zoox an exemption subject to certain specified terms and conditions, including the application of an enhanced oversight condition. Under this condition, NHTSA will issue Operational Authorizations that may update and expand as Zoox's ADS technology matures.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 2 mixed.
Zoox allowed to deploy robotaxis commercially
NHTSA is allowing Zoox to manufacture and commercially deploy a passenger ADS-equipped vehicle (the Zoox robotaxi) that does not comply with portions of eight FMVSS standards. The exemption is effective July 31, 2026 through July 31, 2028 and is limited by other terms and conditions set by NHTSA.
Zoox will retain ownership and operate fleets
Zoox stated it will not sell the robotaxi; instead it will keep ownership and be responsible for daily operations including fleet management, maintenance, routing, remote operations support, and customer service. That means you would access these vehicles as a service (robotaxi fleet) rather than as a vehicle purchaser.
Robotaxi lacks many manual-driving features
The Zoox robotaxi is not equipped with manually operated driving controls or many human-driver visibility and interior features (for example, it lacks windshield defrosting/wiping, exterior and interior mirrors/rearview image display, sun visors, and some manual brake controls) because it is designed to be driven exclusively by an ADS. NHTSA evaluated and granted exemptions from specified portions of eight FMVSS tied to those features.
Annual deployment cap of 2,500 exempt vehicles
Zoox may introduce no more than 2,500 exempted robotaxis into interstate commerce for commercial deployment in any 12-month period during the exemption. This numerical cap limits how many Zoox robotaxis can enter service in each year of the exemption.
Exemption subject to enhanced operational oversight
NHTSA granted the exemption with specified terms and conditions, including an enhanced oversight condition implemented through Operational Authorizations. These Operational Authorizations may be updated or expanded as Zoox's ADS technology matures and prescribe operating conditions for the exempted vehicles.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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NHTSA has received an application from Robomart, Inc. ("Robomart") for a temporary exemption from several requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard ("FMVSS") No. 500 applicable to its low-speed vehicle (LSV) with an automated driving system ("ADS"). NHTSA is reviewing Robomart's application and will publish a subsequent notice seeking public comment on the merits of the application after the agency conducts its initial review.