The state of California has changed its rules for autonomous vehicles (AVs) that allow law enforcement officials to issue violations related to AVs that do not comply with traffic laws.
Since the development of driverless cars, the police had struggled with a challenging situation as they were unable to issue citations when driverless vehicles violated traffic laws; however, the state department for motor vehicles has changed that.
According to new rules due to come into force on 1 July 2026, the police can now issue an AV deficiency notice directly to the car’s manufacturer.
It will bind manufacturers to answer calls from law enforcement within 30 seconds and allow police to issue fines if the cars enter active emergency zones.
In a press release announcing the new rules, DMV Director Steve Gordon said, “California continues to lead the nation in the development and adoption of AV technology, and these updated rules further demonstrate the state’s commitment to public safety.”
Steve hailed the new law as one of the most comprehensive AV regulations in the US.
The new rules are part of a broader law from 2024 that requires strict regulation of the technology, and it comes into effect after several reports of traffic violations from driverless cars.
One particular incident that highlighted the need for new law was a massive blackout in San Francisco where Waymo taxis stalled in the middle of the road, worsening already congested traffic.
