# Cities want to put the boot on robotaxis

> Cities are creating local laws to restrict robotaxis as federal rules stall.
- Title: Cities want to put the boot on robotaxis · The Verge
- Summary: Cities are creating local laws to restrict robotaxis as federal rules stall. Cities and states are passing regulations to limit robotaxis after federal…
- Keywords: robotaxis, self-driving cars, city regulations, federal gridlock, autonomous vehicles, local laws, nvidia, tesla, waymo, austin, minneapolis, san diego
- Source: The Verge — https://theverge.com/transportation/1013220/robotaxi-self-driving-car-laws
- Author: Andrew Hawkins
- Published: 2026-10-18T12:00:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: robotaxis, self-driving cars, city regulations, federal gridlock, autonomous vehicles, local laws, nvidia, tesla, waymo, austin, minneapolis, san diego
## Federal gridlock
Cities and states are taking matters into their own hands to rein in autonomous vehicles after federal regulations stall.
## Nevada's early lead
Nevada passed self-driving car laws in June 2011, three years before Tesla's Autopilot and seven years before commercial robotaxis launched.
## Local laws emerge
Cities and states are creating their own rules for robotaxis as federal legislation remains stalled in Congress.
## Minneapolis ban
Minneapolis considers requiring human monitors inside autonomous vehicles to effectively ban driverless operations.
## San Diego block
San Diego City Council passed a resolution to block Waymo from airports and give local agencies emergency control over AVs.
## Austin fire concerns
Austin firefighters want AV developers to establish rapid-response towing protocols for emergency situations.
## Political shift
Even red states like Kentucky and Oklahoma are considering tighter robotaxi regulations despite previous Republican support.
## California's role
California remains the gold standard for robotaxi approvals with its strict safety validation process.
## Global expansion
Waymo and Uber are expanding robotaxis to London, Tokyo, Munich, Manchester, Madrid, and Dubai to avoid US regulations.
## Industry response
AV companies prioritize states with legislative preemption to prevent city bans and push for national standards.
## What happens next
Cities will remain the main arbiters of robotaxi permission as federal and state rules continue to evolve.
## Key takeaway

Cities and states are passing regulations to limit robotaxis after federal autonomous vehicle rules remain stalled.