The state of California has amended its autonomous vehicle (AV) rules allowing police officers to penalize AV violations that violate traffic laws.
Since the development of driverless cars, police have faced a difficult situation as they were unable to issue citations when driverless vehicles violated traffic rules; however, the state Department of Motor Vehicles has changed this.
Under new rules due to come into force on July 1, 2026, police can now issue an AV non-compliance notice directly to the car manufacturer.
It will require manufacturers to respond to law enforcement calls within 30 seconds and allow police to issue fines if cars enter active emergency zones.
In a press release announcing the new regulations, DMV Director Steve Gordon said, “California continues to lead the nation in the development and adoption of audio-visual technology, and these updated regulations once again demonstrate the state’s commitment to public safety. »
Steve hailed the new law as one of the most comprehensive AV regulations in the United States.
The new rules are part of a broader 2024 law calling for strict regulation of the technology and come into force after several reports of traffic violations committed by driverless cars.
One particular incident that highlighted the need for a new law was the massive power outage in San Francisco, which saw Waymo taxis stall in the middle of the roads, worsening already congested traffic.
