Tesla is pushing boundaries once more with its controversial Robotaxi service launch in the San Francisco Bay Area, raising serious questions about regulatory compliance and safety protocols.

The Tesla Robotaxi app went live on the Apple App Store this week, offering a waitlist for rides across San Francisco, Oakland, Berkeley, and the Peninsula down to San Jose. Despite CEO Elon Musk’s carefully worded initial announcement avoiding terms like “autonomous” or “robotaxi,” the app’s Terms of Service suggest potential fully autonomous rides without safety operators.

Regulatory agencies are not impressed. California State Transportation Agency deputy secretary Emily Warren has already contacted Tesla, warning that the company only has permits for conventional transportation services, not autonomous vehicles. California Assemblymember Catherine Stefani has been vocal about her concerns, stating that Tesla has not completed even basic steps required for a driverless deployment permit.

The situation echoes previous Silicon Valley “move fast and break things” approaches, reminiscent of early ride-sharing disruptions. Business Insider reported that the app’s waitlist was cleared within just three hours of public launch, indicating significant public interest despite regulatory uncertainties.

Interestingly, Tesla’s Robotaxi landing page confidently states they’re “bringing autonomous rides” starting with the Model Y Cybercab, even as state agencies express skepticism about the technology’s readiness.

In Austin, where Tesla has been testing the service, new state regulations took effect on September 1st, requiring additional permits for autonomous vehicle operations. Initial reports suggest that even in Texas, rides are still accompanied by safety drivers.

The discrepancy between Tesla’s bold claims and regulatory realities highlights ongoing tensions in the autonomous vehicle landscape. As technology races ahead, government oversight struggles to keep pace, leaving consumers and safety advocates questioning the boundaries of innovation.

While Musk continues to push technological boundaries, the ultimate test will be whether regulatory bodies will allow Tesla to proceed with its ambitious Robotaxi service or intervene to ensure public safety.