Waymo Begins Testing in Chicago as Illinois Considers Autonomous Vehicle Legislation

Lawmakers and stakeholders navigate concerns over safety, jobs, and infrastructure as the self-driving car company expands operations.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 8:04pm

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A highly detailed, glowing 3D illustration of a network of illuminated fiber-optic cables and sensors, conceptually representing the advanced digital infrastructure and technology enabling autonomous vehicles.As Illinois lawmakers debate the future of autonomous vehicles, the complex digital systems powering self-driving cars are poised to transform the state's transportation landscape.Chicago Today

Waymo, the autonomous vehicle subsidiary of Alphabet, has begun testing its self-driving cars on the streets of downtown Chicago as the Illinois legislature considers a bill to legalize and regulate the use of AVs in the state. However, the proposed legislation faces opposition from labor unions, trial lawyers, and motorcyclist groups who have raised concerns about safety, insurance coverage, and the potential impact on jobs.

Why it matters

The introduction of autonomous vehicles in Illinois could have far-reaching implications, both positive and negative, for public safety, the transportation workforce, and the state's infrastructure. As one of the most visible self-driving car companies, Waymo's expansion into Chicago is a significant milestone that will shape the ongoing debate over how to responsibly integrate this emerging technology.

The details

Waymo has started testing its self-driving vehicles with safety drivers in Chicago, but the company has not yet announced plans to bring its fully autonomous robotaxis to the state. The Autonomous Vehicle Pilot Project Act, introduced by Rep. Kam Buckner, would open several counties in Illinois to commercial AV operations, but the bill has stalled in the Rules Committee. Other AV-related legislation has also yet to gain the necessary support. Labor groups, trial lawyers, and motorcyclist organizations have raised concerns about the safety, insurance requirements, and potential job losses associated with autonomous vehicles. Waymo has faced federal investigations for traffic violations and incidents involving its vehicles, but the company says its cars are involved in 92% fewer crashes with serious injuries compared to average human drivers.

  • Waymo began testing its self-driving vehicles in downtown Chicago in early 2026.
  • The Autonomous Vehicle Pilot Project Act was introduced in the Illinois legislature in January 2026, but has been held up in the Rules Committee.
  • Other bills supporting the AV industry in Illinois have yet to gain the necessary support from lawmakers.

The players

Waymo

An autonomous driving company and a subsidiary of Alphabet Inc., Google's parent company.

Rep. Kam Buckner

A Democratic state representative from Chicago who introduced the Autonomous Vehicle Pilot Project Act.

Rep. Brad Stephens

A Republican state representative and the mayor of suburban Rosemont, who introduced his own AV bill last spring.

P.S. Sriraj

The director of the Urban Transportation Center at the University of Illinois Chicago, who outlined challenges and potential benefits of AVs in the state.

Ronnie Gonzalez

A representative of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, who is part of the Illinois Drivers Alliance coalition fighting for the rights of rideshare drivers.

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What they’re saying

“If the infrastructure is not set up to support this kind of a technology, for example, if there is no lane marking visible, at least to the naked eye, on a rural road, then what will happen to the technology?”

— P.S. Sriraj, Director, Urban Transportation Center at University of Illinois Chicago

“In labor, throughout the industrial revolution, we've been watching technology replace workers year after year, and it's only sped up in the recent decade. The realization is it's going to happen, so having a seat at the table lobbying for legislation that implements the use of autonomous vehicles responsibly, that is mindful of workers, mindful of safety, is what labor is pushing for.”

— Ronnie Gonzalez, Representative, International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers

“We need to be thinking of this on a bigger scale than just driverless taxis. Meaning it can impact whole industries like operating engineers and Teamsters and a whole bunch of others. Every time we just move to a technological advancement, we need to take into consideration, what does that mean to the overall economy?”

— Marc Poulos, Executive Director, Labor Management Operations at International Union of Operating Engineers Local 150

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

As Illinois lawmakers and stakeholders navigate the complex issues surrounding autonomous vehicles, this case highlights the need for a balanced approach that addresses public safety, labor concerns, and the responsible integration of emerging transportation technologies.