Tesla's Robotaxi service, currently operational in parts of Austin, has introduced fees for cleaning up after riders, ranging from $50 to $150 depending on the severity of the mess. Severe incidents, described as biowaste or instances of smoking, incur a charge of $150, while smaller issues such as food spills and minor stains result in a $50 fine.
Reports indicate that these penalties are not clearly outlined on Tesla's Robotaxi Rider Rules page, where they are mentioned only as "additional fees" at the company's discretion. After each ride, Tesla assesses any necessary cleaning and notifies users via their app about any imposed charges.
Riders facing fees can contest them by contacting customer support. In comparison, Waymo, which operates a larger fleet of autonomous vehicles, has a similar fee structure, charging $50 for self-reported messes and up to $100 for unreported incidents. Both companies have specific penalties for smoking or vaping, with Waymo charging $100 for the first offense and potential additional costs for subsequent violations.
Uber's forthcoming autonomous taxi service, expected to be fully operational by 2026, has not publicly detailed its fines for damages or messes in its code of conduct, unlike Tesla and Waymo.