Waymo will be permitted to test up to eight autonomous vehicles until late September 2025.
Friday, August 22, 2025 9:47PMMayor Adams and the New York City Department of Transportation have granted Waymo a waiver to test "a limited number" of self-driving cars in parts of Manhattan and Downtown Brooklyn.
After the pilot testing period, Waymo will have the opportunity to apply for an extension for additional testing. Members of the public will not be able to use the cars during the testing phase. The permit requires a driver behind the wheel at all times."A Driverless Tomorrow": Waymo is the poster child of self-driving car tech, but the robotaxi giant's origins are in a dirt race over 20 years ago. "Waymo is simply permitted to test its technology and must have a safety driver behind the wheel at all times. Eight vehicles will be operating on a limited basis and for a limited period of time under the permit. Safety is the top priority," according to the NYC DOT. State law does not allow autonomous vehicles and there is no word of plans or apparent interest in passing a new law to change that in the state legislature. Mayor Eric Adams noted in a statement that his administration is "tech friendly" and is always looking for ways to do business in that space. "We're always looking for innovative ways to safely move our city forward," said Adams. "New York City is proud to welcome Waymo to test this new technology in Manhattan and Brooklyn, as we know this testing is only the first step in moving our city further into the 21st century."As part of their permit to operate within the city, Waymo is required to coordinate closely with DOT through regular meetings and data reporting. Waymo is required to certify that they are adhering to the industry's best practices related to cybersecurity. In addition to receiving DOT approval, Waymo has also obtained necessary permits from the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles. "As we continue to implement responsible innovation, we will always prioritize street safety," the statement adds. From a concept for tomorrow to the reality of today. Take a journey through innovation, failed attempts and rise of "A Driverless Tomorrow." You can watch the full ABC7 Originals series all next week at 8:30 p.m. wherever you stream abc7NY.
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