California tightens rules on robotaxi interference

Beginning in July 2028, developers like Waymo, Tesla, and Zoox must provide on-the-ground support to first responders when their vehicles cause obstructions. Under the new rules, companies face penalties if their autonomous vehicles block emergency personnel for more than 30 minutes. Furthermore, the law requires that all remote operators be based in the United States and hold valid U.S. driver’s licenses. Developers are also obligated to notify local jurisdictions of vehicle status during system-wide failures and provide specialized technicians to assist at accident scenes. While the California Department of Motor Vehicles will finalize the regulatory specifics, the law represents a significant shift in oversight as the state prepares for a broader rollout of autonomous transportation.