Lawmakers Push for Self-Driving Cars Across Massachusetts

Waymo seeks to expand autonomous vehicle operations in Boston, but legislation faces pushback from labor unions

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Waymo, a self-driving car company, is looking to return to Boston after a previous stint in 2025. However, the company needs the state of Massachusetts to legalize fully autonomous vehicles before Bostonians can use their cars without human drivers. Lawmakers in the state are now working to create a regulatory framework for autonomous vehicles to operate not just in Boston, but across the entire state. The proposed bills would set requirements for self-driving cars, including insurance coverage and interaction plans with law enforcement. But the efforts are facing pushback from labor unions who see autonomous vehicles as a threat to jobs and public safety.

Why it matters

The push for self-driving cars in Massachusetts highlights the broader debate around the future of mobility and transportation technology. While some see autonomous vehicles as an inevitability and an opportunity to improve safety and accessibility, others are concerned about the potential impact on jobs and public welfare. This legislation could set the stage for how self-driving cars are regulated and deployed in the state.

The details

The proposed bills, S.2379 and H.3634, would allow the use of autonomous vehicles on state highways as long as they meet certain requirements. These include the ability to transfer control to a human passenger in case of system failure, maintaining a 'minimal risk condition' during failures, and complying with traffic laws. Fully autonomous vehicles over 10,000 pounds would require a human driver. Companies operating self-driving cars would also need to provide insurance coverage and interaction plans with law enforcement.

  • On Feb. 5, Waymo announced plans to return to Boston.
  • As of Feb. 9, Waymo had not yet submitted an application to the Massachusetts Department of Transportation to operate self-driving cars on public roads.

The players

Waymo

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

Sen. William Driscoll

A Democratic state senator from Milton, Massachusetts who has filed a bill to allow the use of autonomous vehicles on state highways.

Rep. Dan Cahill

A Democratic state representative from Lynn, Massachusetts who has sponsored a corresponding House bill to Driscoll's legislation.

Rep. Natalie Blais

A Democratic state representative from Deerfield, Massachusetts who has also sponsored the House bill on autonomous vehicles.

Tom Mari

The president of Teamsters Local 25, a labor union that is opposing the efforts to expand autonomous vehicles, citing concerns about public safety and job losses.

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What they’re saying

“Autonomous vehicles are here and more are on the way. Massachusetts needs to have a clear and consistent policy for them. The legislation I filed starts that conversation.”

— Sen. William Driscoll (Worcester Telegram)

“Driverless cars and trucks pose a serious threat to public safety, our communities, and the livelihoods of the countless dedicated men and women across the Commonwealth who work as professional drivers. These machines don't benefit working people — they only serve the interests of out-of-state Big Tech billionaires, and their opinions shouldn't outweigh the needs of Massachusetts residents.”

— Tom Mari, President of Teamsters Local 25 (Statement)

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

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.