Autonomous Vehicles (AVs) in San Francisco | SFMTA
The SFMTA’s Autonomous Vehicles (AVs) in San Francisco page provides an overview of the status, policy context, and regulatory framework for driverless vehicles operating in the city. It explains that San Francisco — together with the Phoenix area — has been a major center for AV testing and operation, with companies like Cruise, Waymo, and Zoox deploying fleets on city streets. The page clarifies that the city itself does not have permitting authority over AVs; instead, AV testing and commercial deployment permits are issued by the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), and passenger service authorizations are handled by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC).
The page also describes how the SFMTA works collaboratively with state and federal regulators and industry partners while aligning AV activities with key transportation policies such as Transit First, Vision Zero, and climate goals. It provides contact information for public feedback about AV operations in San Francisco.