DC Council holds first robotaxi hearing as Waymo, Tesla eye entry

The District of Columbia Council held its first public hearing on driverless-car deployment on July 13, taking testimony on the Autonomous Vehicle Deployment Authorization Amendment Act of 2026, a bill that would create a licensing path for commercial robotaxis but not permit paid driverless rides in the city until January 2028. Representatives tied to Waymo and Tesla were among those weighing in, alongside labor and privacy advocates who raised concerns about jobs and data collection. Waymo has said it plans to bring its robotaxi service to Washington and build two local service centers in Wards 5 and 7.