The San Bruno Police Department recently faced a unique challenge when they observed a driverless Waymo vehicle making an illegal U-turn. This incident occurred near the Caltrain station while officers were on patrol for impaired drivers. The lack of a human driver led to questions about accountability for autonomous vehicles that break traffic laws.
In a social media post, the police department explained that under current regulations, they could not issue a ticket to the vehicle. “Since there was no human driver, a ticket couldn’t be issued (our citation books don’t have a box for ‘robot’),” the post stated. Officers promptly informed Waymo of the incident, labeling it a “glitch,” and allowed the vehicle to continue its journey.
Future Regulations for Autonomous Vehicles
This situation highlights a significant gap in existing traffic laws regarding autonomous vehicles. According to reports from KRON4 and KTVU, the absence of legislation allowing for the citation of driverless cars has prompted the state of California to take action. A new law is set to take effect in July 2026, which will enable law enforcement to ticket the companies operating these vehicles directly for traffic violations.
The upcoming legislation aims to address the accountability of autonomous vehicle manufacturers, ensuring that they adhere to traffic laws and regulations. As technology advances and more autonomous vehicles enter the roads, the need for clear guidelines becomes increasingly pressing.
While the San Bruno Police Department acknowledged the limitations of current laws, they expressed hope that reprogramming the Waymo vehicle would prevent similar traffic infractions in the future. The incident serves as a reminder of the evolving relationship between technology and law enforcement in an era of rapid technological advancements.
As autonomous vehicles become more common, both law enforcement agencies and lawmakers will need to adapt to these changes, establishing frameworks that ensure safety and compliance on the roads. The San Bruno incident is just one example of the challenges that lie ahead in regulating this emerging technology.
