They’re still on the road in LV because NHTSA didn’t issue a recall yet. The finding that the Zoox vehicles violated the FMVSS was causing real problems for their business model:
But Zoox is now in an awkward position. The company was on the verge of launching commercial robotaxi services in the Las Vegas and San Francisco metro areas. Now it may not be able to do so legally.
NHTSA hasn’t formally recalled Zoox’s vehicles, but that could happen in the coming months. And the Washington Post says that officials in California are unlikely to allow local use of a vehicle that’s not compliant with federal regulations.
NHTSA’s statement to the Washington Post was non-commital. “We will continue to support transportation technology innovation while maintaining the safety of America’s roads,” the agency said.
Bezos’ and Musk’s influence in the Administration might have helped them sidestep that issue - but it was very much a real regulatory roadblock that, back when we were having our discussion, was something that these companies needed to navigate.