Tesla CEO Elon Musk recently announced that the company plans to completely remove safety drivers from its Robotaxi fleet by the end of 2025. The move is seen as a major step in advancing the company’s autonomous driving technology.
At present, Tesla’s Robotaxi operations still rely on safety drivers. In Austin, safety drivers sit in the front passenger seat during city rides and take the driver’s seat on highways. In the Bay Area, they are present for all trips. Tesla views this as a necessary precaution in the early stages, ensuring safety while collecting real-world data. Musk previously said, “The safety driver is just there for the first few months to be extra safe.”
People are getting through the waitlist and getting access to robotaxi! https://t.co/a3KEjq8Rru
— Dirty Tesla (@DirtyTesLa) September 4, 2025
Regarding the timeline for full removal, Musk emphasized that there “should be no safety driver by the end of the year.” The statement reflects Tesla’s confidence in the maturity of its technology. However, skepticism remains. Critics argue that relying entirely on autonomous systems without human supervision could pose safety risks, as even a single accident might undermine public trust and slow industry progress.
Tesla has stressed that it is proceeding cautiously. Musk noted that being “overly cautious” is necessary, warning that any incident could set back not only Tesla but also the broader autonomous driving sector.
The Robotaxi initiative is considered a key part of Tesla’s long-term strategy. Musk has stated the goal of reaching half of the U.S. population with the service within the year. If successful, the rollout could significantly reshape urban transportation. Nonetheless, Tesla still faces regulatory, technical, and public acceptance challenges.
Industry observers are closely watching Tesla’s next steps. A stable, safety-driver-free Robotaxi fleet could accelerate the global recognition and adoption of autonomous driving technologies.