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Bill

S 10413

Relates to the operation of autonomous taxicabs in a city having a population of one million or more

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Kristen Gonzalez

New York City autonomous taxis must be licensed by the TLC, establishing a formal framework with safety, insurance, accessibility, data reporting, and compliance standards.

REFERRED TO TRANSPORTATION
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Bill Summary · S 10413

Summary of Bill S 10413 (2025-2026 Session) – New York

Purpose and intent

  • The bill adds a new provision to the New York Vehicle and Traffic Law to govern the operation of autonomous taxicabs in New York City (a city with population of one million or more).
  • It establishes that autonomous vehicles cannot be used for taxi, livery, or transportation network company (TNC) services in such a city without being licensed by the New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) as a taxicab.

Key provisions and changes

1) Create a new licensing framework for autonomous taxicabs
- Section 397-d obligates TLC to license autonomous vehicles used as taxicabs in NYC.
- Autonomous vehicles cannot be licensed to provide taxi service, prearranged trips, or other for-hire transportation unless a TLC-issued license for autonomous taxicabs exists.

2) Establish licensing process and standards
- Before TLC can license an autonomous vehicle as a taxicab, TLC must:
- Establish a license for use of autonomous vehicles as taxicabs and promulgate related rules.
- Issue rules that cover: application process, eligibility, and operation standards.
- Minimum topics TLC must address in rules (non-exhaustive list):
- Application process for autonomous taxicab licenses.
- Licensing eligibility restricted to owners holding taxi medallions.
- Cap or restrictions on the number of licenses issued per person/entity.
- Safety standards for autonomous taxicabs.
- Insurance requirements for autonomous taxicabs.
- Reporting requirements for trip and revenue data (including pickup/drop-off locations, mileage, and fare for each trip).
- Vehicle standards (including wheelchair accessibility, and whether vehicles are low- or zero-emission).
- Other rules deemed necessary for safe and orderly operation.

3) Compliance, enforcement, and penalties
- TLC must deny an autonomous taxicab license if the vehicle or applicant fails to comply with TLC rules.
- TLC has authority to suspend or revoke a license after due notice and a hearing for violations of the established rules.

Who/what is affected

  • Autonomous vehicles proposed or operated as taxis in NYC (the city with 1 million+ population) would be subject to TLC licensing.
  • Taxi medallion owners or prospective licensees are implicated, as licensing may be restricted to taxi medallion owners.
  • Operators, owners, and companies planning to deploy autonomous taxicabs in NYC would need to seek TLC authorization and comply with the new standards.
  • TLC and riders alike would be affected through enhanced safety, reporting, and accessibility requirements.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Effective date: Immediate upon enactment (the act states “takes effect immediately”).
  • Implementation path: TLC must first establish an autonomous taxicab license framework and accompanying rules, then issue licenses, subject to compliance with those rules.
  • Ongoing oversight: Licensing decisions can be denied, suspended, or revoked for non-compliance, following due notice and a hearing.

Practical implications

  • The bill creates a formal, regulated pathway for autonomous taxicabs to operate in NYC, ensuring that autonomous vehicles meet defined safety, insurance, accessibility, environmental, and data-reporting standards.
  • It prioritizes control and oversight by TLC, with potential limits on licenses to prevent oversaturation and to protect safety and accountability.
  • The requirement for detailed trip and revenue data reporting could enable better oversight of autonomous taxi activity and fare structures.

If you’d like, I can provide a side-by-side comparison with current law or draft a one-page briefing for policymakers or the public.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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