Tesla is moving fast to test and operate its robotaxis in Arizona’s Phoenix Metro area. The company applied on June 26 to Arizona’s Department of Transportation (DOT) for permits to test autonomous vehicles with and without drivers. The DOT expects a decision by the end of June.
Tesla’s senior regulatory counsel, Casey Blaine, already had virtual talks with Arizona’s DOT and Commerce Authority. Blaine requested introductions to Maricopa County officials before any launch, according to emails obtained by TechCrunch. Blaine did not respond to requests for comment.
Tesla launched its robotaxi pilot last month in South Austin, Texas, but it’s invite-only for now. CEO Elon Musk said on X Tesla plans to expand that Austin service soon. Musk also said regulatory okays for Bay Area robotaxis could arrive in a “month or two.” 
The Arizona process is simpler than California’s. Arizona requires autonomous vehicle companies to self-certify for testing with or without a driver, but ride-hailing services, human or robot-driven, still need a Transportation Network Company permit.
Meanwhile, Waymo already operates driverless robotaxis in about 315 square miles around Phoenix. Waymo also holds necessary permits in Los Angeles and the Bay Area and partners with Uber for robotaxis in Austin and Atlanta.
California’s DMV confirmed Tesla has had a permit for safety-driver testing since 2014 but said Tesla hasn’t applied yet for driverless testing or deployment permits.
A California DMV spokesperson stated:
“If Tesla intends to conduct driverless testing or deploy autonomous technology, it must apply for the appropriate permit,”
“To date, Tesla has not applied for either a driverless testing or deployment permit.”
Tesla’s move in Arizona signals an escalation in its robotaxi ambitions, pushing to expand beyond Austin into new markets with less regulatory friction.
Follow the Tesla influencer Sawyer Merritt on X for early updates.
