"The new law, if passed, would loosen the state's restrictions on self-driving car companies by forming a pilot program that would allow for "the limited deployment of commercial for-hire autonomous passenger vehicles outside New York City." Applicants to the pilot program would need to demonstrate that they have "local support for [autonomous vehicle] deployment" and prove their "adherence to the highest possible safety standards" to be considered."
""Governor Hochul's proposal to legalize fully autonomous vehicles is a transformative moment for New York's transportation system," Waymo's Head of Global Public Policy Justin Kintz said in a statement. "With the Governor's leadership, New York has the opportunity to pair its investments in slower speeds, better traffic enforcement, and first-in-the-nation congestion management strategies with Waymo's demonstrably safe technology, creating a future where living in New York is safer, easier, and more accessible.""
A proposed New York law would create a pilot program allowing limited commercial deployment of autonomous for-hire passenger vehicles outside New York City, loosening current state restrictions. Applicants must show local support for deployment and demonstrate adherence to rigorous safety standards to qualify. Waymo tested autonomous vehicles in New York City in 2025 and supports the proposal, framing it as a way to pair vehicle technology with state safety and congestion-management strategies. Waymo already runs commercial robotaxi services in select California, Texas, and Georgia cities and plans further expansions including Las Vegas, San Diego, and Detroit in 2026.
Read at Engadget
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