California enacts new penalties for robotaxis blocking emergency crews

California has enacted a new law requiring autonomous vehicle companies like Waymo and Tesla to provide on-site support if their robotaxis obstruct first responders during emergencies. The law mandates that remote drivers must be in the U.S. and hold a local license. Companies may be fined up to $10,000 per vehicle if their robotaxis block emergency operations for over 30 minutes. The measure follows a series of incidents where robotaxis hindered emergency services.

• New law signed by California's governor
• Companies must send staff to assist at incidents
• Remote drivers must be U.S.-based with a U.S. license
• Up to $10,000 fines per vehicle for emergency delays
• Law follows several robotaxi emergency obstructions