Illinois Bill Could Legalize Waymo Self-Driving Cars in Three Years

Proposed legislation would allow autonomous vehicle pilot programs in several Illinois counties before potential statewide legalization.

Feb. 2, 2026 at 5:23pm

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A new bill proposed in the Illinois legislature would authorize autonomous vehicle pilot programs in several counties, including Cook County, before potentially legalizing self-driving cars statewide within three years. The bill, introduced by state Rep. Kam Buckner, is backed by Waymo and aims to create a "thoughtful framework" for autonomous vehicle technology in the state while addressing safety, accountability, and labor concerns.

Why it matters

The proposed legislation represents an effort by Illinois to get ahead of the growing autonomous vehicle industry, led by companies like Waymo, rather than react to it. However, the bill faces scrutiny from groups concerned about public safety, the technology's ability to handle Midwestern weather conditions, and potential job losses for human drivers.

The details

The bill would allow self-driving car pilot programs in Cook, Sangamon, Madison, St. Clair, and Monroe counties. Companies seeking to operate autonomous vehicles in Illinois would need approval from the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), which would also have the authority to revoke or suspend that authorization. The law would require AVs to be covered by motor vehicle liability insurance. After three years, IDOT could legalize autonomous vehicles statewide if the pilot programs are successful.

  • The bill was filed in the Illinois legislature last week.
  • The proposed legislation would allow self-driving car pilot programs to begin in the specified counties.
  • Three years after the bill takes effect, the Illinois Department of Transportation could legalize autonomous vehicles statewide.

The players

Kam Buckner

A Democratic state representative from Chicago who is the speaker pro tempore of the Illinois House and introduced the proposed autonomous vehicle legislation.

Waymo

An American autonomous driving company and a subsidiary of Alphabet Inc., Google's parent company, that has expressed support for the proposed Illinois bill.

Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT)

The state agency that would be responsible for approving and overseeing autonomous vehicle pilot programs under the proposed legislation.

Illinois Trial Lawyers Association

A group that has raised concerns about the safety of autonomous vehicles and the proposed bill, citing recent incidents involving Waymo vehicles.

Illinois Drivers Alliance

A union coalition that has criticized the proposed legislation, arguing it could threaten jobs for human drivers.

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What they’re saying

“We can't afford to get caught flat-footed.”

— Kam Buckner, State Representative

“We're excited to one day offer our service to its residents and visitors. Our technology can make Illinois' roads safer and transportation in the state more accessible.”

— Waymo spokesperson

“The bill fails to protect passengers that may utilize the technology, those that would share the roadways with AVs, and the public at-large.”

— Timothy Cavanagh, President, Illinois Trial Lawyers Association

“Illinois should be investing in drivers — not fast-tracking questionable policies that replace real people with unproven, unpredictable robots and rip away hard-earned money out of drivers' pockets and put it into Silicon Valley.”

— Illinois Drivers Alliance

What’s next

The proposed legislation must still be passed by the Illinois legislature and signed into law by the governor before any autonomous vehicle pilot programs or statewide legalization could take effect.

The takeaway

The debate over self-driving cars in Illinois highlights the broader challenges cities and states face in balancing innovation, public safety, and the concerns of various stakeholders as autonomous vehicle technology continues to advance.