California police can start ticketing driverless cars
3 sources covered this · see comparison → ⚠ Left-onlyCalifornia police will soon be able to issue traffic citations to manufacturers of driverless vehicles, such as Waymo, under new rules adopted by the state's Department of Motor Vehicles. The regulations, set to take effect on July 1, 2026, aim to improve public safety and emergency response by holding autonomous vehicle companies accountable for traffic violations and roadway obstructions. The rules follow incidents in California and other states where robotaxis have blocked roads and hindered emergency vehicles.
- ▪The California DMV adopted new rules allowing law enforcement to issue citations to manufacturers of autonomous vehicles starting July 1, 2026.
- ▪The regulations require manufacturers to respond to emergency directives, including moving vehicles from emergency zones within two minutes.
- ▪The DMV can restrict, suspend, or revoke operating permits if manufacturers fail to address compliance issues.
- ▪Incidents in San Francisco and Austin highlighted problems with robotaxis blocking roads and interfering with emergency services.
- ▪Waymo, owned by Alphabet, stated its vehicles are designed to follow traffic laws and respond to sirens, but acknowledged the need for ongoing improvements.
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For subscribersCalifornia police can start ticketing driverless carsSign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inboxOfficials in California and other states have raised concerns about the robotaxis blocking roadways and obstructing emergency response vehicles.PHOTO: MARK ABRAMSON/NYTIMESOrlando MayorquinPublished May 01, 2026, 10:25 AMUpdated May 01, 2026, 10:25 AMLOS ANGELES – Police officers in California will soon be able to issue traffic tickets to driverless cars like Waymo robotaxis and require their manufacturers to move them out of the way during emergencies.The state’s Department of Motor Vehicles adopted the new rules for autonomous vehicles this week, in accordance with a 2024 law that imposed more regulation on the technology.The rules, which go into effect on July 1,…
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