Waymo Gains Approval to Launch Autonomous Vehicle Testing in New York City

Waymo has been granted permission to test its autonomous vehicles in New York City, marking a historic first for the city. The company informed TechCrunch that it intends to start testing “immediately.”

The company is authorized to operate up to eight Jaguar I-Pace SUVs in Manhattan and Downtown Brooklyn until the end of September. Waymo’s vehicles are required to have a licensed safety operator at the wheel, who must keep at least one hand on the steering wheel at all times. The company is prohibited from picking up passengers (which would require a license from the city’s Taxi and Limousine Commission) and must regularly report data to the city’s Department of Transportation (DOT), as stated by the mayor’s office.

This approval brings Waymo closer to launching a robotaxi service in the city, which could be its greatest challenge to date. Presently, the company services San Francisco, Austin, Phoenix, and Los Angeles. Among these cities, only San Francisco has a comparable level of complexity to New York City.

Waymo has been assessing New York City for several years, beginning in 2021 when it utilized Chrysler Pacifica minivans for manual mapping of the region. Obtaining this permit was not a certainty; the company submitted its application in June and engaged in consultations with local lawmakers and organizations such as Mothers Against Drunk Driving.

This permit is in accordance with a new framework for autonomous vehicle safety introduced by Mayor Eric Adams in 2024. To apply, Waymo worked alongside emergency response teams and submitted a testing plan along with a safety strategy that detailed operator qualifications and other stipulations to the local DOT. According to the mayor’s office, Waymo has also received the “necessary permits” from the New York state Department of Motor Vehicles.

Upon concluding its testing period in late September, Waymo must seek an extension if it wishes to continue its testing activities.

We are always looking to enhance our offerings, and you can help by providing your feedback to TechCrunch regarding our coverage and events! Complete this survey to share your experiences and enter for a chance to win a prize!