Governor Gavin Newsom has signed Senate Bill 1246 into law, setting new rules for autonomous vehicles designed to keep robotaxis from blocking or delaying emergency responders.
This legislation requires companies operating autonomous vehicles, including major players like Tesla, Waymo, and Zoox, to provide immediate assistance when their robotaxis cause disruptions. If a robotaxi blocks police or firefighters for more than 30 minutes, the companies could face penalties. This requirement highlights the importance of accountability and operational readiness in urgent scenarios.
Additionally, the law mandates that remote drivers for these robotaxis must be located in the United States and possess a valid U.S. driver’s license. During system-wide failures, companies must notify cities, towns, and other local jurisdictions about the location and status of their vehicles, facilitating a coordinated emergency response.
The new regulations also require companies to provide local incident technicians who can assist with accidents or obstructions caused by robotaxis.
These measures take effect in July 2028.
