SF Mayor Demands Stricter Robotaxi Rules After Waymo July 4 Gridlock

Executive Briefing

• Mayor Daniel Lurie formally asked California's Department of Transportation to establish statewide autonomous vehicle operational standards.
• Waymo robotaxis ran out of power and blocked key San Francisco streets during July 4 fireworks, stranding thousands.
• Lurie cited two incidents — a December power outage and July 4 gridlock — exposing gaps in California's AV regulatory framework.
• Proposed rules would require robotaxi operators to relocate stranded vehicles, adapt routes in real time, and share live data with city agencies.
• Waymo, operating roughly 1,000 Bay Area robotaxis and 500,000+ weekly rides nationally, remains the primary regulatory focus.