Waymo has received the first-ever permit to test autonomous vehicles in New York City, marking a major milestone for the company. The Alphabet-owned firm told TechCrunch it plans to begin trials immediately.
The permit allows Waymo to deploy up to eight Jaguar I-Pace SUVs in Manhattan and Downtown Brooklyn through late September. Each vehicle must have a trained safety operator in the driver’s seat with one hand on the wheel at all times. While the company cannot yet pick up passengers, it must report data to the city’s Department of Transportation and meet regularly with local officials.
This approval moves Waymo closer to launching a future robotaxi service in one of the world’s most challenging urban environments. The company already operates autonomous fleets in San Francisco, Austin, Phoenix, and Los Angeles, but New York presents unique complexities with its dense traffic and unpredictable conditions.
Waymo first mapped New York manually in 2021 and applied for the permit in June 2025. The approval follows months of discussions with lawmakers and community groups. The pilot is part of a broader safety program introduced by Mayor Eric Adams in 2024, requiring companies to coordinate with first responders and submit detailed safety plans.
Related: Waymo Robotaxi Dallas Plans Take Shape with a Smart New Avis Partnership
Once the trial period ends in late September, Waymo must apply for an extension if it wants to continue testing.
