Tesla is launching a tightly limited robotaxi service in San Francisco this weekend, after starting an invite-only rollout in Austin, Texas last month.
The rides will have a driver behind the wheel because Tesla hasn’t secured permits for fully driverless testing or deployment in California, according to DMV records.
It’s unclear if Tesla has California Public Utilities Commission approval to carry the public beyond employees. Business Insider reports Tesla plans to invite owners to try the service soon. CEO Elon Musk said on a conference call Wednesday they are still working on regulatory clearance in the state. 
The move comes amid ongoing battles with California authorities. The DMV is trying to block Tesla from selling cars in the state over alleged misleading claims about self-driving. Tesla is also on trial regarding fatal crashes linked to its limited Autopilot driver-assist system.
Tesla’s Austin robotaxi service launched June 22 with about 10 Model Ys. The zone is limited to downtown and main corridors with a safety operator riding shotgun capable of taking control. Tesla hasn’t revealed how often operators have intervened.
That’s far from Musk’s years-old “general solution” promise, which included fully autonomous trips coast to coast — something that never materialized. Musk said Tesla is also aiming to expand robotaxi service to Florida and Arizona. Earlier this month, TechCrunch revealed Tesla began certification to test and operate with and without drivers in Arizona.
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