Waymo is getting ready to take on one of the most complex cities in the world: New York.
The Alphabet-owned company has officially applied for a permit to test its self-driving cars in Manhattan. If approved, it will be the first step toward launching its robotaxi service in NYC — a place known for its crowded streets, strict laws, and heavy foot traffic.
Waymo Applies for NYC Testing Permit
Waymo shared that it’s filed an application with the New York City Department of Transportation. The company wants to test its Jaguar I-Pace electric vehicles, each equipped with its advanced self-driving system.
But there’s a catch: New York law doesn’t allow fully driverless vehicles yet.
So for now, every Waymo vehicle will have a trained human safety driver behind the wheel. These drivers must be ready to take over at any time. The city also requires:
- A $5 million insurance policy per vehicle
- Proper training for all human operators
- Compliance with specific testing guidelines
Why New York Is a Tough Nut to Crack
New York has some of the strictest autonomous driving laws in the country. One rule, for example, says that a driver must always have at least one hand on the steering wheel (or a prosthetic limb if needed).
That’s a major blocker for true autonomous testing. Waymo knows this and is already pushing for a change in state law to allow driverless operation.
They’ve also been working to build relationships in the community, partnering with organizations like:
- MADD NY (Mothers Against Drunk Driving)
- YAI (serving people with disabilities)
- National Federation of the Blind
- Bronx Community College
These partnerships help build trust and support as Waymo navigates regulatory challenges.
It’s Not the First Time Waymo Has Shown Interest
Waymo has been eyeing the New York City market for years.
Back in 2021, the company brought its Chrysler Pacifica minivans to map Manhattan’s streets. Each car had two people: one to drive and another to monitor and take notes.
But those vehicles never operated in autonomous mode, even though they had Waymo’s most advanced self-driving tech at the time.
So What’s New This Time?
This time, Waymo’s plan is more official and more aggressive. By applying for NYC’s AV permit, the company is signaling a clear move toward testing and, eventually, commercial service.
Waymo told TechCrunch that it has had positive talks with state lawmakers and plans to keep working toward legal updates. The ultimate goal? To allow fully driverless rides in New York just like in other U.S. cities.
But NYC Isn’t Like Other Cities
Testing in New York is no small task. The city is one of the most crowded and chaotic urban environments in the world. On any given street, you’ll find:
- Buses, bikes, taxis, and delivery vans
- Double-parked cars and surprise road closures
- Tourists, kids, and fast-walking locals
Waymo already runs robotaxis in San Francisco, Phoenix, Los Angeles, and Austin, which are all busy cities in their own right. But NYC brings the complexity to a whole new level.
Where Waymo Stands Today
Waymo currently provides more than 250,000 fully autonomous paid rides each week across several U.S. markets. Their robotaxis run without a driver in those areas, showing that the tech is ready — if laws and infrastructure allow it.
However, in New York, that future still depends on legislative changes. Even with a permit, Waymo can’t remove the safety driver until laws are updated.
Key Takeaways
- Waymo has applied to test self-driving cars in NYC — a major step forward.
- Testing will begin with human safety drivers behind the wheel.
- New York law currently blocks fully driverless operations.
- Waymo is pushing for legal changes and partnering with local groups.
- The company already runs driverless services in Austin, LA, SF, and Phoenix.
- NYC presents new challenges but also a huge opportunity.
Final Thoughts
Bringing robotaxis to New York won’t happen overnight. But Waymo is clearly playing the long game.
If it can succeed in NYC — the city that never sleeps, honks, or slows down — it could open the door for driverless cars to operate almost anywhere.