GoKawiilCalifornia signs SB 1246, fining robotaxi firms over blocked emergency vehicles
Governor Gavin Newsom has signed Senate Bill 1246, creating local penalties for autonomous vehicle companies whose cars block ambulances, fire trucks or other first responders for more than 30 minutes during emergencies. The law also requires operators to designate on-site 'local incident technicians' to assist with crashes or obstructions, and mandates that any remote human drivers assisting vehicles hold US driver's licenses and be based in the United States.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
The law follows a string of incidents in which Waymo vehicles stalled or blocked traffic in San Francisco and Austin, including one case where a car impeded an ambulance responding to a shooting, prompting federal regulators to flag a pattern of autonomous vehicles interfering with first responders. Requiring US-based remote operators could also address concerns raised after Waymo disclosed that some remote assistance came from staff overseas, though how strictly the rule will be enforced remains to be seen.
- SB 1246 fines robotaxi operators if vehicles block first responders for over 30 minutes.
- Companies must appoint on-site 'local incident technicians' to handle AV accidents and obstructions.
- Remote human drivers assisting vehicles must be US-based and hold US driver's licenses.
Source: engadget.com — Mariella Moon, 2026-10-03
Published there as: “California will fine robotaxi companies if their vehicles block first responders”
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