Tesla doesn't have the permits to run an autonomous vehicle taxi in California, but probably nothing stops a driver-assist based taxi.

The CPUC confirmed Friday that Tesla has not applied for the necessary authorization to operate autonomous vehicles for public passenger service-paid or unpaid-in the state. The clarification comes in direct response to reports that Tesla planned to launch its robotaxi service in the Bay Area as early as this weekend.

Tesla faces a regulatory holdup for its proposed robotaxi service in the San Francisco Bay Area, lacking necessary AV permits.