Full Breakdown
California Allows Police to Issue Notices to Driverless Cars
5/3/2026, 9:31:42 AM
Background & Context
Fleets from Waymo, Tesla, Nuro and Zoox have expanded. Existing statutes left robotaxis unaccountable. Waymo incidents—a U-turn in San Bruno (Sept 2025), stalled cars during Dec 2025 San Francisco blackout, and a vehicle blocking an ambulance in Austin (Mar 2026)—prompted Assembly Bill 1777 to task DMV with closing enforcement gap.
Core Regulation Details
DMV’s April 28 rulebook creates a “notice of AV non-compliance” officers can issue when car violates rules. Companies must report notice within 72 hours and respond to officials 30 seconds. Repeated violations can trigger investigations and permit suspension. Rules require override and geofence, allow trucks over 10,000 lb.
Incident Highlights
Incidents illustrate the problem: a Waymo U-turn in San Bruno (Sept 2025), stalled Waymo cars during Dec 2025 San Francisco blackout, a Waymo vehicle blocking an ambulance in Austin, and Waymo cars obstructing fire-engine driveways and school buses in the Bay Area.
Official Statements & Responses
DMV Director Steve Gordon framed rules as a measure adding accountability for AV manufacturers. Waymo spokesperson Julia Ilina said system is designed to respect traffic rules but raised concerns about protecting confidential data. DMV stated notices will be investigated and may result in permit suspension.
Criticism & Opposition
Cortese said law “highjacked” enforcement and warned that without fines police cannot recoup costs. Koopman called notice “almost literally a note sent home from teacher” and doubted $300 fine would affect Waymo. Teamsters Union opposed bill, saying it takes California “backwards” as officers issue notices.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the notice’s punitive force: some describe it as a non-fine “note,” while the DMV states it can trigger investigations and permit suspension. No monetary penalty is codified, leaving local agencies uncertain about funding enforcement. The impact on autonomous trucks remains untested.
Verbatim Quotes
"California continues to lead the nation in the development and adoption of AV technology, and these updated regulations further demonstrate the state's commitment to public safety." — Steve Gordon, DMV Director
"This really shows the DMV trying to make progress on fixing problems based on what we’ve seen go wrong." — Phil Koopman, CMU professor emeritus
"The state’s come in and basically highjacked law-enforcement agencies to enforce state regulations about how robotaxis operate." — Dave Cortese, State Senator
"Instead of giving law-enforcement officers the ability to fine or ticket [autonomous vehicle] companies for traffic violations, officers may only issue a ‘notice of noncompliance’ for traffic violations committed." — Teamsters Union
What’s Next
The DMV will begin processing notices on July 1, track compliance trends, and consider SB 1246, which would grant local jurisdictions enforcement powers and potentially introduce monetary penalties. Regulators will also monitor the rollout of autonomous freight trucks under the new safety framework.
