New CA DMV Rules: Police To Start Ticketing New Traffic Law

SACRAMENTO, CA — As more driverless vehicles hit California highways, officials have responded with a new set of regulations that could affect not only autonomous vehicles like robotaxis, but motorists who share the road with them as well.

Last week, the state adopted new regulations stemming from legislation passed in 2024, allowing police officers in California to issue traffic tickets to driverless cars. The autonomous vehicles would also be required to move out of the way of first responders during an emergency and respond to their calls within 30 seconds through a dedicated phone line. The tightened restrictions come as the DMV approves testing of driverless semi-trucks in California.

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Assembly Bill 1777 included the ability to allow law enforcement agencies to issue "noncompliance" reports, also known as tickets, to the DMV, which advocates said would address leaders' regulatory concerns.

Previously, tickets could only be issued to a "driver" if the vehicle violated traffic laws. California police can now issue a "notice of noncompliance" to the vehicle's manufacturer.

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Autonomous vehicles have raised concerns from state officials after driverless vehicles on California highways were caught on camera violating traffic laws and obstructing first responders.

Last year, several Waymo vehicles blocked intersections and clogged San Francisco streets during a power outage. Also in the Bay Area, in September a robotaxi was pulled over by San Bruno police after it was seen making an illegal U-turn.

"AB 1777 is a direct response to issues experienced in San Francisco. In San Francisco, incidents include disrupting traffic, rolling over, then dragging a pedestrian, impeding firefighting response at multiple scenes and driving into crime scenes," Assemblyman Phil Ting, who authored the law, said in 2024.

The DMV also approved the testing of industrial autonomous vehicles, including semi-trucks. Unlike a driver-operated semi-truck, autonomous semis would not be required to stop for rest breaks, allowing them to reach their destinations quicker and potentially improve logistics.

"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," said DMV Director Steve Gordon. "These updates support the growth of the AV industry by enhancing public safety and transparency while adding additional accountability for AV manufacturers."

The new rules for autonomous vehicles will go into effect July 1.