California Enacts Robotaxi Safety Law with 2028 Deadline

California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed Senate Bill 1246, introducing new requirements for robotaxi operators. The law, reported by Engadget, aims to address concerns that driverless vehicles could obstruct emergency services.

Under the legislation, companies will face local penalties if their robotaxis block first responders—such as ambulances and fire trucks—for more than 30 minutes during emergencies. The law is not scheduled to take effect until July 1, 2028, giving operators time to comply.

Several incidents have heightened worries about autonomous vehicles interfering with emergency response. In December 2025, multiple Waymo vehicles became stuck on San Francisco roads after a power outage disabled traffic lights. During Fourth of July celebrations this year, Waymo vehicles reportedly had to be towed after running out of power and getting stranded in heavy traffic.

Outside California, in Austin, Texas, a Waymo car blocked an ambulance responding to a shooting. In July, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration asked operators to find a solution after identifying what it called “a clear pattern of driverless AVs interfering with law enforcement and other first responders.”

SB 1246 also mandates that operators provide an on-site contact for emergency responders, termed a “local incident technician,” who can assist with accidents and obstructions immediately. Additionally, companies must use US-based remote human drivers who hold US driver’s licenses. This does not mean robotaxis are always remotely driven; for instance, Tesla only allows remote human control in difficult situations if “available intervention actions have been exhausted.” Waymo disclosed earlier this year that its vehicles may rely on guidance from remote operators when stuck, and those operators were located in other countries.

Furthermore, the law requires robotaxi companies to notify local authorities about vehicle location and status during system-wide failures. Companies must also issue additional reporting on their response times to incidents involving their vehicles.

The 2028 effective date provides a long runway for compliance. While the requirements are specific, their practical impact will depend on enforcement and how operators adapt their operations. The signing follows a series of high-profile incidents that have drawn regulatory attention to the interaction between autonomous vehicles and emergency services.