TechCrunch Mobility: Reining in robotaxis
California has enacted Senate Bill 1246 to regulate autonomous vehicle companies following reports of robotaxis obstructing traffic and emergency responders. The law mandates that companies provide local support, use U.S.-based remote drivers, and face penalties for blocking emergency services.
Why it matters
This legislation sets a critical precedent for how states balance the rapid deployment of autonomous technology with public safety and municipal oversight.
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On an average day in San Francisco, you might see dozens (hundreds?) of Waymo robotaxis zipping around the city — and with little disruption. But, as TechCrunch has reported, there have been numerous incidents of robotaxis impeding traffic, driving into crime scenes, and interfering with first responders. And not just in the Bay Area. In some cases, companies have relied on first responders to move their robotaxis.
These disruptions are occurring in the early stages of the robotaxi era. California has a new law hoping to get ahead of the problem before the next impending wave of robotaxis land.
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