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WASHINGTON — Tesla Motors has received a waiver from the government on a federal air-bag requirement that brings it closer toward production of its all-electric Roadster.

The waiver Monday also is good news for the company's WhiteStar electric sedan, which is to be built in Albuquerque.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave the company a three-year exemption from the advanced air-bag rule, saying Tesla would still have standard air bags on the vehicle.

The agency said the "public interest is served by encouraging the development of fuel-efficient and alternative-fueled vehicles."

Without the waiver, the agency added, Tesla would have to cancel its pending development of a five-passenger electric sedan, which is set to begin production in Albuquerque in 2009.