Kent and states tighten local rules on robotaxis as federal gridlock continues

Cities and states are building their own robotaxi rules while AV companies look harder at places with clear state-level protection.

Federal gridlock has left local governments to write their own rules for autonomous vehicles, and the result is a growing patchwork for operators. Minneapolis is considering a rule that would require a human monitor inside autonomous vehicles. San Diego has passed a resolution to block Waymo from the airport and to expand local control in emergencies.

In Austin, firefighters want AV developers to set up rapid towing and direct human communications for emergencies. Outside the bigger coastal markets, Kentucky, Oklahoma, South Dakota, and Iowa are also weighing tougher limits. In California, lawmakers are discussing giving cities the power to cap fleets, set operating hours, or ban permits locally.

AV companies are responding by looking beyond the United States and by favoring states that clearly block city bans. Waymo is planning to expand in London, Tokyo, and Munich, while Uber is lining up vehicles for Manchester, Madrid, and Dubai. Waymo, Zoox, and Aurora are also focusing on states with explicit legislative preemption.