The Chinese autonomous-driving company is WeRide. California authorized it in August 2024 to test vehicles on public roads in San Jose, including without a human driver onboard. That testing permit did not authorize WeRide to carry the general public or charge fares, so it was not approval to launch a commercial robotaxi service.
What California approved WeRide to do
WeRide’s August 2024 California Department of Motor Vehicles permit allowed public-road testing in San Jose without a human driver in the vehicle. It also allowed passengers in test vehicles, but WeRide’s filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission says those passengers could not be members of the general public and the company could not collect fares. WeRide’s SEC filing
That distinction matters: a vehicle may be tested with people inside without being available as a ride-hailing service. The permit covered evaluation of autonomous vehicles under testing rules, not a public launch.
Testing permits and commercial deployment are different
California DMV separates autonomous-vehicle permissions into three categories: testing with a safety driver, driverless testing, and deployment. An authorization in one category does not automatically grant the permissions associated with another. California DMV permit-holder information and California DMV autonomous-vehicle program
Recommended Free Tools
#1 Best Overall
- 2-in-1 Transforming Design:Switch between a fast RC car and a cool robot with just one click—double the fun in one toy!
- Smart Interactive Play:Gesture-sensing transformation, automatic demonstrations mode, and dynamic LED lights with music for an immersive experience.
- Multiplayer Fun Without Interference:2.4GHz remote control allows multiple kids to play together—race or battle with no signal clashes!
- Long-Lasting Dual Battery Power:Two 600mAh rechargeable batteries provide up to 60 minutes of continuous playtime.
- Perfect Gift for Kids:An exciting and innovative toy that sparks creativity—ideal for birthdays, holidays, and special occasions!
- Testing with a safety driver: The vehicle is tested with a human safety driver onboard.
- Driverless testing: Testing may occur without a human driver onboard, subject to the permit’s conditions.
- Deployment: A separate authorization category for operating an autonomous-vehicle service, with its own requirements.
For anyone assessing a robotaxi announcement, check the permit category, the authorized area and operating conditions, and whether public passengers and fares are allowed. The word “driverless” by itself does not mean that customers can book or pay for rides.
What WeRide’s California status page says
The California DMV permit-holder page reviewed for this article lists WeRide AI for testing with a driver and separately lists it for driverless testing in San Jose and Santa Clara. The driverless listing specifies daytime operation and conditions relating to weather and speed; those limits are part of the authorization, not a blanket permission to operate anywhere or at any time. The page marks its safety-driver permit-holder information as current as of September 17, 2026, and its driverless-testing information as updated April 3, 2026. These are the page’s update dates, and permit status and conditions can change. California DMV permit-holder information
Rank #2
- 【2.4GHz Anti-Interference】Equipped with a 2.4GHz remote controller, this RC car is specially designed for kids aged 4-7. It features sensitive and stable control with strong anti-interference performance. It effectively avoids signal interference from other electronic devices and supports multiple cars for simultaneous battle play, bringing more fun to parent-child interaction and group play.
- 【360° Drift & Transformation】Adopting a 2-in-1 design of car and robot, it smoothly switches between car and robot forms with one click for double the fun. Kids can enjoy the excitement of racing and the novelty of robot battles. Built with flexible drift wheels, it supports 360° in-place rotation and drift to perform all kinds of cool stunts, combining speed excitement and robot play experience perfectly. Its cool styling and amazing stunt functions easily capture the attention of kids aged 5-8.
- 【Easy to Operate】With simple button layout and user-friendly design, this remote control car is easy for kids aged 3+. It helps cultivate children’s reaction skills, finger flexibility and hand-eye coordination while bringing endless fun.
- 【Safe & Durable】Made of high-quality non-toxic ABS plastic, it is tough, durable and resistant to bumps and drops, standing up to kids' repeated play. The cool light effects greatly enhance visual appeal and recreate real driving scenes, allowing kids to enjoy an immersive play experience. Perfect for both boys and girls, it is deeply favored by kids of all age groups.
- 【Perfect Gift for Kids】This racing RC car makes an ideal gift for boys and girls aged 4–12. It is the perfect present for all special occasions, including birthdays, Christmas, Children’s Day and Easter. A thoughtful surprise for little ones, it brings endless fun and wonderful childhood memories.
Fleet size and permit duration: what has been reported
A Futurism article published August 18, 2024, reported that the permit covered 12 vehicles and lasted three years, with testing in and around San Jose and WeRide personnel riding in the vehicles. Those particulars are attributable to that report: the reviewed company filing confirms the permit and the restriction on public rides and fares, but does not independently establish the fleet count, the reported duration, or the permit’s current expiration date. Futurism’s August 18, 2024 article and WeRide’s SEC filing
California’s 2026 rule update is separate
In an April 28, 2026 announcement, the California DMV described an updated regulatory framework that lets manufacturers apply for testing and deployment permits for heavy-duty autonomous vehicles. That later rulemaking is broader regulatory context; it is not the basis for WeRide’s 2024 light-duty vehicle testing permit. The DMV said the update was intended to strengthen its oversight as autonomous-vehicle technology develops. California DMV announcement, April 28, 2026
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Rank #3
- 2 In1 RC Transform Car Robot: 1: 18 Scale size. 2 In 1 remote control deformation car and robot. One Button easily transforms back and forth from car to robot. Easy To Control. Cool RC car toys gift for 8 year old boys girls and up
- 360° Rotation & Dazzling Lights & Realistic Engine Sounds: 2.4Ghz strong remote controller to control 360 degree rotation and directions for the transform car. Cool blue lights design with realistic engine and acceleration sounds
- Large Capacity Rechargeable Battery: 3 rechargeable batteries with USB cable for RC car(included). and 2 x AA batteries for remote controller(not included). Fully charged and last up for about 45mins to have fun
- Durable & Safe: Our remote control car for boys are made of durable ABS Plastic material. Anti-fall Car body, strong and resistant to fall. Non-toxic, durable and safe for kids. Kids will be attracted immediately with this transform robot car toys
- Cool Gifts For Kids: With a cool gift box package. Creative transform RC car toys for boys, girls and kids who obsessed with robots and RC cars. Awesome Christmas and Birthday gift gifts for your little boys and girls
DMV Director Steve Gordon said, “California continues to lead the nation in the development and adoption of AV technology, and these updated regulations further demonstrate the state’s commitment to public safety.” The statement addressed the 2026 rules, not WeRide’s 2024 permit.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Can WeRide charge passengers for California robotaxi rides?
Not under the 2024 testing permit described in WeRide’s filing: it barred fares and rides for the general public. A driverless testing authorization is not the same as deployment approval, and the cited DMV listing does not establish that public, paid rides are available. WeRide’s SEC filing
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- 【Gesture & Remote Dual Control】 Feel the power in your palm! Switch between hand-gesture sensing and precision remote control to perform amazing flips and turns at top speed.
- 【High-Speed 4WD Drifting Performance】 Built for thrill-seekers—race, drift, and spin through smooth floors, asphalt, and short grass. Four-wheel drive and anti-slip tires keep it fast and fierce in every direction.
- 【Instant Transforming & Double-Sided Driving】 One press, two forms! Instantly switch between racing and climbing modes for non-stop action. When it flips, it just keeps going.
- 【Dynamic Lights & Sound Effects】 The red chassis glows with bold LED lights that match the beat of the built-in music—creating an awesome street-racing vibe.
- 【Perfect Gift for Future Racers】 Designed for kids aged 6–12 who love cars, speed, and smart tech. A show-stopping gift that sparks excitement and imagination.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
