California Hits Robotaxi Operators With Fines for Blocking Emergency Responders
The law requires AV companies to provide local support to first responders and sets penalties if robotaxis block emergency crews for more than 30 minutes.
- On Wednesday, September 30, 2026, Governor Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 1246, establishing new requirements for autonomous vehicle companies to improve safety and response times when their vehicles interfere with emergency responders.
- Recent robotaxi incidents in San Francisco prompted the measure, including a power outage that stalled approximately 1,500 Waymo vehicles and left first responders waiting for assistance.
- The legislation mandates companies dispatch 'local incident technicians' to emergency scenes; cities may impose penalties of up to $10,000 if vehicles obstruct first responders for more than 30 minutes.
- Effective July 1, 2028, the law requires all 'remote drivers' directly operating autonomous vehicles must be based in the United States and hold a U.S. driver's license.
- Federal regulators have echoed these concerns, with National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Administrator Jonathan Morrison identifying a 'clear pattern' of driverless vehicles interfering with first responders and demanding 'solutions' from developers.
22 Articles
22 Articles
In a move aimed at enhancing public safety, California has enacted a new law imposing fines on self-driving taxi operators if they obstruct emergency responders. The law details the companies' new responsibilities. Under the new California law, self-driving car technology companies like Tesla, Waymo, and Zoox will be required to provide local support to emergency responders when their vehicles cause problems. The companies could also face fines …
California will fine robotaxi companies for interfering with first responders.
Under SB 1246, which goes into effect in July 2028, robotaxi operators will face fines of up to $10,000 for each autonomous vehicle that blocks emergency responders for more than 30 minutes. The law will also require robotaxi companies like Waymo, Tesla, and Zoox to employ remote drivers in the US to take control of the vehicles and move them out of the way — something police and firefighters have had to do themselves. [Link: Robotaxi operators …
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