San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie is calling for a stronger regulatory framework for autonomous vehicles after a July 4 traffic disruption involving Waymo robotaxis brought key streets to a standstill.
In a letter to California's transportation authorities, Lurie said the incident showed that current rules do not fully address how driverless vehicles should behave during major events or unexpected system failures. He pointed to two recent examples: a December power outage and the fireworks gathering near the Golden Gate Bridge, both of which left multiple autonomous vehicles immobilized.
The mayor outlined four core expectations for robotaxi operators. These include quickly moving stalled vehicles out of active lanes, adjusting routes and service zones in real time, sharing live operational data with local agencies, and proving through testing that fleets can handle sudden surges in traffic and public activity.
California already requires autonomous vehicle companies to pass separate testing and deployment approvals through the Department of Motor Vehicles and the Public Utilities Commission. Even so, Lurie argues that statewide standards should evolve as robotaxi fleets grow larger and more visible in daily city life.
San Francisco and the wider Bay Area remain a major hub for self-driving technology, with several companies testing or preparing commercial services. Waymo, the largest player in the region, says it operates in 11 cities and completes more than 500,000 paid rides each week.
The proposal reflects a broader shift toward smarter urban mobility, where innovation and public infrastructure are expected to move in step. If adopted, these standards could help shape the next phase of autonomous transport across California and beyond.
