With the first Tesla Robotaxi rides starting shortly for early access users in Austin, Tesla has published a detailed set of rules for its first passengers.
They outline everything from who can ride to how you can behave in a car with no driver, and are designed to ensure safety. Tesla is using a safety monitor during the initial rollout phases, so the front passenger seat will not be available for customers.
Who Can Ride
Tesla has laid out clear guidelines on who is eligible to be a passenger, as well as some expected in-car conduct.
You must be at least 18 years old to book a ride and to ride alone. Riders are permitted to bring one guest, provided that the guest is also over the age of 18. You cannot book a ride for another person; the account holder must be present for the entire trip.
That’s all pretty straightforward, and we expect Tesla to relax some of the rules in the coming months. That means that once the safety monitor is gone, the number could increase to three or four.
How to Behave
All passengers must remain seated with their seatbelts fastened for the entire duration of the ride. There is a strict prohibition on smoking, vaping, or consuming alcohol or other drugs inside the vehicle.
Riders are also asked to be courteous and leave the Robotaxi in the same condition as they found it. Those who damage or dirty the vehicle may be charged an additional, currently unspecified fee after the ride.
Hands Off: Driverless Vehicle
This is where the rules get a bit more interesting, focusing on the unique fact that the Model Ys that Tesla is using still have driver controls.
Riders are prohibited from sitting in the front-left driver’s seat. Additionally, riders must not tamper with, modify, or attempt to physically manipulate any vehicle equipment, including the steering wheel and pedals.
Interestingly, Tesla also has a rule on reverse-engineering and intellectual property protection. While photos and videos of the experience are permitted, riders are prohibited from bringing onboard instruments or equipment intended to record, measure, or conduct surveillance on Robotaxi.
Service Animal Exception
For riders with disabilities, Tesla has outlined a specific policy. Only small service animals that are trained to work or perform tasks are permitted in the vehicle. No other pets are allowed.
However, riders are not required to provide proof; however, support may ask you to confirm that the animal is required due to a disability and what task it is trained to perform.
At this point, we’re not sure whether Tesla will allow non-service animals in its Robotaxi Network in the near future. It would make sense if they did - many people travel with their pets, or need to take them from one location to another - but for now, only service animals will be allowed.
Tesla is definitely taking a safety-first approach in the initial launch, and with the presence of the Safety Monitor, they’re being very cautious. There is a long way to go before the average person becomes comfortable with an autonomous vehicle with no one in the driver’s seat, and building public trust is a good first step.
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After several sets of spy shots showing camouflaged prototypes, the new Model Y Performance has finally broken cover in the German Alps. The performance variant was finally spotted completely undisguised and driving on public roads.
The video, captured by Nextmove on YouTube, gives us a great look at some differentiating features of the Performance variant.
Performance Model Aerodynamics
The new video confirms that the Model Y Performance model will receive a unique and more aggressive aerodynamics package. Clearly visible in the video is a new rear diffuser on the lower bumper, which is much more pronounced than the one on the standard Model Y.
Also confirmed is the longer, carbon fiber spoiler on the liftgate. Tesla is sticking with the carbon fiber look for its Performance variants, and this one in particular appears to be longer than the one on the original Model Y Performance.
New Badge & Wheels
Carscoops
For the first time, on what is likely a production-intent vehicle, we can make out a blurry shot of what appears to be a performance badge on the right side of the trunk. While the exact details are hard to make out, it appears to be a new icon in orange or red, similar in design to the Model 3 Performance Ludicrous badging.
The vehicle is also sporting the same new Performance wheels that were previously seen on the prototype, making the rounds on the Nürburgring. These unique wheels appear to be exclusive to the Performance variant, and look like they’re the first staggered option for the new Model Y.
Launch Soon
The appearance of a fully uncovered vehicle driving on public roads is typically one of the final stages for Tesla before it launches a new vehicle. We saw this with the lightly refreshed Model S and Model X just recently. While the key visual differentiators are all but confirmed, we’re still waiting on the most important parts: the official 0-60 mph time and details on the updated dynamics. It’s clear Tesla has some engineering magic working behind the scenes, and we can't wait to see the final results.
Tesla has quietly launched a new monthly subscription service in the United States for windshield protection. This is separate from the recently announced Extended Service Agreement, an extended warranty that is paid for monthly.
This new plan specifically targets one of the most common and costly repairs: windshield damage, which is not covered by the extended warranty.
This new plan is a nice addition for users who prefer peace of mind, but it comes with some very specific and time-sensitive eligibility windows that all new owners should be aware of.
Coverage & Cost
For a flat monthly fee that varies by model, the Windshield Protection Plan provides comprehensive coverage for the front windshield, including the use of Tesla OEM glass and any required Autopilot camera calibrations.
The benefits include:
One free windshield replacement every 12-month period with no deductible
Any additional replacements incur a $100 co-pay per replacement
Unlimited chip and minor crack repairs
Tesla varies the pricing based on your vehicle:
Model 3 / Model Y: $12 per month
Model S: $15 per month
Model X: $23 per month
Who is Eligible and When?
This is the most crucial part to take away here.
You must enroll within 30 days of taking delivery of a new or used Tesla vehicle.
This is a very tight window, so new owners interested in the plan will need to subscribe pretty quickly. However, Tesla does offer alternative ways to get into the program.
Alternative Ways to Join
If you paid for a replacement windshield at Tesla, you also have 30 days to join the program. Likewise, if your vehicle passes a complimentary vehicle inspection, Tesla will also offer you the ability to join the program.
Although the complimentary inspection isn’t available yet, Tesla expects to begin offering the program sometime around July 2025. For now, the plan is only available in the US, similar to the new Extended Service Agreement Subscription. However, Tesla has announced plans to roll it out to other regions shortly, starting with Canada and Mexico.
No Cybertruck Coverage
Just as with the ESA, the Cybertruck is left out. The new Windshield Protection Plan isn’t being offered on the Cybertruck.
This exclusion is particularly important given the high cost of replacing a windshield for the Cybertruck. Out-of-pocket replacement costs exceed $2,300 USD. For now, Cybertruck owners will have to rely on their standard auto insurance for coverage.
How to Subscribe
Enrolling in the Extended Service Agreement or the Windshield Protection plan is handled directly within the Tesla App. If your vehicle is eligible, you’ll be able to navigate to Upgrades > Service Plans > Windshield Protection to review the terms and subscribe.
Once the complimentary inspection is available, you’ll be able to subscribe in person at a Tesla service center as well.
This new plan offers an affordable way for owners to hedge against one of the most common, frustrating, and expensive repair costs, and is expected to be a popular add-on.
