As protests rage at Tesla dealerships throughout the Bay Area and the country, Elon Musk is quietly expanding the company’s footprint — and inching closer to a ride-hail service that would compete with big players like Uber and Waymo.

The limited regulatory approval is an early step toward Elon Musk’s goal of offering a Tesla self-driving taxi service.

Tesla on Tuesday received the first in a series of approvals from California required for the electric car maker to eventually launch a promised robotaxi service in the state, according to a state regulator.