Frustrated by federal gridlock, cities and states are taking matters into their own hands to rein in autonomous vehicles. Back then, many states and cities welcomed self-driving cars with open arms, eager to be seen as future-forward and pro-innovation. Now, over a decade later, they are crafting legislation to control these same self-driving cars.

Municipalities are using their broad authority over street operations to pass their own laws, creating a patchwork of rules and regulations for robotaxi operators to follow. Minneapolis is considering an ordinance to require human monitors inside autonomous vehicles, which would effectively ban driverless operations. The San Diego City Council has passed a resolution seeking to block Waymo from the airport and give local agencies direct control over AVs in emergencies.

It's not just cities or blue states taking a harder line, either. Even tech-friendly California is mulling ways to bring robotaxis to heel. Several bills have been introduced to give cities direct authority to limit AV fleet sizes, restrict operating hours, or enact local permit bans within municipal limits. Additionally, emergency protocols have been drafted to require AV companies to give local police and fire departments physical override access or emergency remote shut-off mechanisms.

As the local debate over autonomous vehicles intensifies, AV developers are increasingly looking overseas as a potential hedge to more obstacles in the US. Waymo is planning to expand its service in London, Tokyo, and Munich. Uber is teeing up vehicles for Manchester, Madrid, and Dubai. If the US is getting too complex and over-regulated, perhaps they can find friendlier reception elsewhere.