Tesla is finally launching their New York City robotaxi initiative – but is it legal?

New York, New York - Tesla is recruiting a motorist to test its driver-assistance technology in New York with an eye towards autonomous driving, according to a job listing reviewed by AFP this week.

Tesla's Cybercab robotaxi is displayed during the AutoMobility LA 2024 auto show at the Los Angeles Convention Center in Los Angeles, November 21, 2024. © Robyn Beck / AFP

The role of "Vehicle Operator, Autopilot" involves the driving of an "engineering vehicle" for extended periods, "conducting dynamic audio and camera data collection for testing and training purpose," according to the job listing.

The position is based in Flushing, New York, in the borough of Queens.

The functions described in the full-time position are still many steps away from providing autonomous or robotaxi service in New York City.

New York State law currently limits the use of autonomous cars to testing. Waymo in June said it applied for a permitto begin testing self-driving cars.

Billionaire CEO Elon Musk has described Tesla as poised for potential rapid deployment of autonomous vehicles, emphasizing the company's use of artificial intelligence to analyze real-world data that has been gathered by the company's existing fleet of vehicles.

Tesla in June finally launched limited robotaxi service in Austin, Texas following many delays.

Fun one. $TSLA is looking for NYC-based employees for robotaxi operations. @WSJ broke news on Wednesday. Don't forget, @elonmusk wants to cover half the U.S. population with @robotaxi by the end of 2025. pic.twitter.com/BDwT8Pw0z6

— Allen Root (@DowJonesAl) August 13, 2025

On a conference call in July, Musk predicted Tesla would "probably have autonomous ride-hailing in probably half the population of the US by the end of the year" – an ambitious target that looks highly unlikely.

Musk acknowledged that the rollout depends on regulatory approvals, adding that the company is being "very cautious" in light of safety concerns.