Tesla has secured a permit to operate as a transportation network company (TNC) in Arizona, marking a significant move toward the launch of its planned robotaxi service. The permit, which Tesla applied for on November 13 and was approved on November 17, allows the company to operate as a ride-hailing firm within the state. This approval positions Tesla to compete directly with existing autonomous vehicle services in the area, most notably Waymo, which has been operating its driverless taxis in Phoenix since 2018. The TNC permit is a foundational step, though it does not yet authorize a fully driverless ride-hailing service. News of the approval did not appear to significantly impact Tesla's stock, which traded lower amidst a broader tech market downturn. The development is a tangible step in realizing the company's long-term vision for an autonomous ride-sharing network.