Editor’s note: The above video is from previous KXAN coverage that was posted on June 22, 2025.

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Tesla robotaxis have been navigating Austin streets for the last six months or so, with “Tesla Safety Monitors” on board. Now, the robotaxis are operating without anyone inside.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk posted on X over the weekend, confirming that the autonomous vehicles are now driving around with no occupants.

“Testing is underway with no occupants in the car,” Musk said in the post, which was in response to a post by user DogeDesigner that showed one of the vehicles operating with no one inside.

“A driverless Tesla Robotaxi was spotted on the roads of Austin, Texas today. No one in the car. No safety driver. Fully autonomous. This is actually happening,” the Dec. 14 post stated.

Previously, the autonomous vehicles had a “Tesla Safety Monitor” on board for rides.

Tesla launched its autonomous vehicle service in Austin in June to customers who received an early access invitation.