Waymo Seeks State Approval for Driverless Cars in Baltimore

The autonomous vehicle company emphasizes safety as it pushes for legislative approval to operate in Maryland.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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Waymo, the autonomous driving company, is seeking legislative approval to operate driverless cars in Baltimore, Maryland. The company showcased one of its fully equipped Waymo Jaguar vehicles in Annapolis, highlighting the advanced safety features that allow the car to obey traffic laws and avoid serious crashes. While some, like the Teamsters Union, have expressed skepticism about the technology, the legislation has strong bipartisan support, and Maryland's Governor Wes Moore is receptive to the concept.

Why it matters

The introduction of Waymo's driverless cars in Baltimore could mark a significant milestone in the adoption of autonomous vehicle technology in the state. If approved, it would allow Waymo to expand its operations and potentially pave the way for other self-driving companies to enter the Maryland market, potentially impacting transportation and employment in the region.

The details

Waymo's driverless Jaguar is equipped with a range of sensors, including a spinning laser pulse that creates a 300-foot 3D view of the surroundings, radar to detect object speeds, and cameras that can read traffic signs and signals. All of this information is processed by the car's onboard computer, which Waymo claims makes the vehicle one of the safest drivers on the road. The company has also built a first-responder program and event response team to address any issues that may arise.

  • On Wednesday, Waymo showcased its driverless Jaguar in Annapolis as part of its push for legislative approval to operate in Maryland.
  • Waymo drivers are already mapping the streets of Baltimore in preparation for potential approval.

The players

Waymo

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

Ethan Teicher

A company spokesman for Waymo.

Wes Moore

The Governor of Maryland, who is receptive to the concept of Waymo's driverless cars.

Albert York

A member of the Teamsters Union, who opposes the legislation and believes the technology is not yet ready.

Mark Lautman

A person who has experienced Waymo's driverless cars in other cities and believes they are 100% more safe than human drivers.

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What they’re saying

“Skepticism is totally normal, right? I mean, we are talking about something that, not too long ago, was a thing of science fiction.”

— Ethan Teicher, Company spokesman (wbal.com)

“It was unreal. One hundred percent more safe than when I drive.”

— Mark Lautman (wbal.com)

“There's no doubt in my mind that, in the future, they will replace us. We are trying to do tomorrow's technology today. It's not ready. I can't get my Roomba to not fall down the steps, and it has been around a lot longer than Waymo.”

— Albert York, Union member (wbal.com)

What’s next

The legislation regulating driverless vehicles in Maryland is currently before lawmakers, and they will decide whether to approve Waymo's request to operate in Baltimore.

The takeaway

The potential introduction of Waymo's driverless cars in Baltimore highlights the ongoing evolution of autonomous vehicle technology and the need for policymakers to carefully consider the implications, both in terms of safety and potential impacts on employment, as they evaluate legislative proposals.