New York governor clears path for robotaxis everywhere, with one notable exception

New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced plans to introduce legislation that would legalize commercial robotaxi services across the state of New York, with the notable exception of New York City. The proposed legislation aims to expand the state’s existing autonomous vehicle (AV) pilot program to allow limited deployment of for-hire autonomous passenger vehicles outside the city. Companies seeking to operate robotaxis commercially would need to demonstrate local support and meet stringent safety standards, though specifics on these criteria and enforcement mechanisms remain unclear. Multiple state agencies, including the Department of Motor Vehicles, Department of Transportation, and State Police, would be involved in oversight. Further details are expected in the governor’s executive budget proposal due January 20. The announcement was welcomed by industry players such as Waymo, which has long sought to operate robotaxis in New York but faced regulatory hurdles, especially in New York City. Current state law requires drivers to keep one hand on the wheel, conflicting with fully autonomous operation. While the state’s AV pilot program provides some