San Francisco Mayor Urges Stricter AV Regulations

San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie is pushing for stricter statewide regulations on autonomous vehicles (AVs), citing disruptions during major events as evidence of the need for improved operational readiness. In a letter to California transportation regulators, Lurie stated that AV companies must prove their technology can reliably function during extraordinary circumstances, not just normal conditions.

Lurie highlighted two specific incidents: the immobilization of Waymo vehicles during heavy traffic on the Fourth of July, which worsened congestion around the waterfront, and a citywide power outage in December 2025 that also stranded robotaxis and disrupted public transportation. He argued that as AVs become more prevalent, they become integral to the city's transportation system and must support critical functions, not just individual passengers.

The mayor's proposal includes mandatory requirements for AV operators to demonstrate the ability to quickly clear disabled vehicles from active lanes, dynamically reroute services during emergencies, and share real-time operational data with local agencies. This marks a shift from voluntary commitments to mandatory performance standards.

These concerns are echoed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which has noted a "clear pattern of driverless AVs interfering with law enforcement and other first responders." The agency urged AV operators to prioritize fixing this issue, emphasizing that emergency scenes are not rare edge cases and that public trust must be earned.

A Waymo spokesperson stated that the company appreciates Lurie's input and has successfully supported major city events, aiming to partner with the city for safe and accessible transportation. California currently requires AV companies to meet regulatory hurdles from both the Department of Motor Vehicles and the California Public Utilities Commission before launching driverless services.