California will fine robotaxi companies for interfering with first responders.
Under SB 1246, which goes into effect in July 2028, robotaxi operators will face fines of up to $10,000 for each autonomous vehicle that blocks emergency responders for more than 30 minutes. The law will also require robotaxi companies like Waymo, Tesla, and Zoox to employ remote drivers in the US to take control of the vehicles and move them out of the way — something police and firefighters have had to do themselves. [Link: Robotaxi operators will face fines for blocking first responders | https://techcrunch.com/2026/10/01/robotaxi-operators-will-face-fines-for-blocking-first-responders/?utm_medium=organic_social&utm_source=TWITTER | TechCrunch]
