Waymo, Alphabet Inc.'s autonomous vehicle division, has officially commenced testing of its self-driving cars in New York City, marking a significant expansion into a highly complex urban environment. The company secured its first permit to conduct these tests, which began on August 25, 2025, in designated areas of Manhattan and Downtown Brooklyn.
Under current New York State regulations, a trained safety specialist must be present in the driver's seat of any autonomous vehicle during testing, ready to take control at any moment. This permit allows Waymo to test up to eight vehicles through late September 2025, with the possibility of extending the program. Waymo has been engaged in manual driving and data collection within the city since 2021, but this marks a crucial step towards active autonomous testing.
During this initial pilot phase, Waymo's vehicles will not be used for passenger pick-ups, as regulations prohibit autonomous vehicles from operating as for-hire services in New York City. The expansion into New York City complements Waymo's existing operations in other major metropolitan areas, including Austin, Phoenix, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Atlanta.
The New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) has emphasized that this initiative aligns with its commitment to fostering responsible innovation while prioritizing street safety. Waymo is collaborating closely with the DOT, providing regular updates and data reports, and must also certify adherence to cybersecurity best practices. The city's permitting program, launched in 2024, is designed to ensure that AV testing is conducted responsibly within one of the country's most challenging urban landscapes. This move is seen as a critical step that could potentially accelerate the adoption of autonomous vehicles in other major U.S. cities.
The autonomous vehicle sensor market, valued at approximately $9.67 billion in 2025, is projected for significant growth, a trajectory that Waymo's entry into this complex market is expected to further influence.