Robotaxi operators will face fines for blocking first responders

• California law requires AV companies to provide local support when their robotaxis cause problems and can face fines if they block first responders for more than 30 minutes. The law, Senate Bill 1246, was signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom and aims to improve safety and response times for first responders. It mandates that AV companies employ remote drivers based in the U.S. and hold U.S. driver licenses. Tesla is the only company that has publicly stated it uses remote operators, while Waymo and Zoox use remote assistance. The law will go into effect in July 2028, with the California DMV setting guidelines on response times.

• Waymo and Zoox have stated they will comply with the law, and the law allows companies to be fined for blocking first responders. The law also requires AV companies to notify local jurisdictions about vehicle status during system-wide failures and provide local incident technicians. The law was prompted by incidents involving Waymo, which has about 4,000 autonomous vehicles in its commercial fleet, with 1,200 in the San Francisco Bay Area. The law seeks to address concerns around how AVs behave around first responders and ensure accountability for companies that fail to comply.

• The law creates a framework for accountability and safety, aiming to balance innovation with public safety. It emphasizes the need for local support and clear guidelines for AV companies. The law is a response to incidents where robotaxis disrupted traffic, drove into crime scenes, or impeded first responders. It reflects a growing concern about the impact of AVs on public safety and emergency response.

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