Las Vegas, home of legalized gambling, statuesque showgirls and glamorous hotels, is now the first place in the U.S. that autonomous commercial trucks will be allowed to operate on an open public highway. Nevada Gov. Brian Sandoval officially issued the first license for an autonomous commercial truck to Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) at a ceremony at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on May 5.

DTNA president and CEO Martin Daum hosted the event, during which Gov. Sandoval participated in the inaugural trip of the Freightliner Inspiration Truck in autonomous mode with Dr. Wolfgang Bernhard, member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG Daimler Trucks & Buses, at the controls.

The Freightliner Inspiration Truck underwent extensive testing before the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles granted it a license to operate on public roads in the state. “Nevada is proud to be making transportation history today by hosting the first U.S. public highway drive for a licensed autonomous commercial truck. The application of this innovative technology to one of America’s most important industries will have a lasting impact on our state and help shape the New Nevada economy,” said Gov. Sandoval. “The Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles has been closely monitoring the advancements being made in autonomous vehicle development and reviewed DTNA’s safety, testing and training plans before granting permission for this demonstration of the Freightliner Inspiration Truck.”