California Implements New Autonomous Vehicle Regulations to Address Safety and Liability Concerns

The state of California will begin enforcing new regulations on autonomous vehicles in July 2026 under Assembly Bill 1777 (AB 1777). This legislative action responds to the rapid evolution and increasing presence of self-driving technology on public roads, with a focus on enhancing public safety, establishing clear accountability, and improving communication between these vehicles and emergency personnel. The push for regulatory reform gained urgency following a notable incident involving a Waymo autonomous car that was observed violating traffic laws. In that situation, responding law enforcement officers found themselves unable to communicate with the vehicle because it lacked a human driver inside, underscoring a critical safety gap as autonomous vehicles and related rideshare services expand their operations across the state.

AB 1777 mandates that all autonomous vehicles operating in California must be equipped with a secure communication system accessible exclusively to first responders. This dedicated channel will enable law enforcement and other emergency personnel to interact directly with driverless cars during traffic stops, accidents, or other emergency scenarios, thereby addressing the communication barrier that previously hindered official responses. The legislation also modernizes liability standards to align with the operational realities of autonomous technology. Specifically, when the autonomous driving system is engaged, the vehicle's manufacturer will be held responsible for any traffic violations or collisions that occur. Conversely, if a human driver is manually operating the vehicle, that individual retains full liability for their actions. These provisions represent a significant shift toward creating a safer and more accountable framework for autonomous transportation in California, aiming to prevent future incidents like the one involving the Waymo vehicle and ensure clearer lines of responsibility as the technology continues to develop.