California to begin ticketing driverless cars that violate traffic laws
Source: Hacker News
Background
Driverless cars are becoming more common in several California cities. However, when autonomous vehicles (AVs) violate traffic laws, police have previously been unable to ticket them.
New DMV Regulations
The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) announced new regulations for AVs that will take effect on 1 July. The rules are part of a broader 2024 law that imposes deeper regulation on the technology. The DMV describes the regulations as “the most comprehensive AV regulations in the nation.”
Key provisions:
- Police may issue a notice of AV non‑compliance directly to the vehicle’s manufacturer when a moving violation occurs.
- Companies must respond to calls from police and other emergency officials within 30 seconds.
- Penalties will be imposed if AVs enter active emergency zones.
“California continues to lead the nation in the development and adoption of AV technology, and these updated regulations further demonstrate the state’s commitment to public safety,” – Steve Gordon, DMV Director (press release).
Enforcement Challenges
Before the new rules, officers often struggled to hold driverless cars accountable. Without a human driver to receive a ticket, violations could not be formally recorded, leaving only informal complaints to the manufacturers.
Companies Operating AVs in California
- Waymo – a leading operator of fully self‑driving robotaxis in the San Francisco Bay Area and Los Angeles County.
- Tesla – holds permits to test its AV technology in several California cities.
The BBC has reached out to both Waymo and Tesla for comment.
Recent Incidents
- San Bruno U‑turn (September): Police observed a Waymo AV making an illegal U‑turn at a traffic light. When officers stopped the vehicle, they could not issue a ticket because there was no driver. The incident was reported to the company as a “glitch.”
- San Francisco blackout: Reports indicated AVs breaking traffic laws during a citywide power outage last year.
- Emergency response interference: San Francisco Fire Department officials have repeatedly complained that robotaxis obstruct emergency vehicles.