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Robotaxis may be a familiar sight in Texas and California, but as self-driving vehicles ramp up in more than 20 states, New York has historically shown trepidation when it comes to advancing welcoming AV legislation.
All of this could be set to change following New York Governor Kathy Hochul’s unveiling of plans to legalize robotaxis in the state of New York during her State of the State address on Tuesday.
The proposed legislation would advance autonomous robotaxi trials in the state, accelerating New York’s existing AV pilot program. However, Hochul’s address does not permit robotaxi trials in the state’s largest metropolitan hub, New York City.
The new legislation is far from a free-for-all, requiring fleet operators to adhere to high safety standards and strict parameters around scale and size. Companies wishing to expand commercial robotaxi services would be required to submit applications demonstrating both local support for AV deployment and “adherence to the highest possible safety standards.”
Among supporters of Hochul’s address was Justin Kintz, Waymo’s head of global public policy, who said in an email statement:
“Governor Hochul’s proposal to legalize fully autonomous vehicles is a transformative moment for New York’s transportation system.”
Waymo and its competitors have long eyed New York as the next battleground for robotaxi expansion but have historically been blocked by a mandate enshrined in New York state law. The law precludes driverless vehicles from state roads by mandating that all drivers keep one hand on the wheel of their vehicle at all times.
Buffalo born Governor unveiled her AV pivot as part of her State of the State address paired with the strapline “Your Family. Your Future. My Fight.” The address set out a series of reforms targeting issues such as housing, access to mental health support, and the implementation of “cutting-edge technologies.”
On Tuesday, an official statement from Hochul’s office read:
“Governor Hochul delivered her 2026 State of the State address, outlining more than 200 initiatives to make life more affordable, keep New Yorkers safe, and expand opportunity.”
The governor’s office suggested further details would be released in the executive budget proposal, set to be announced on January 20.
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