California Bill Proposes Fines for Waymo Over Robotaxi Blockages
State Senator Dave Cortese has introduced a bill in California that would impose fines on autonomous vehicle companies like Waymo if their robotaxis block first responders. The bill, SB 1246, mandates that AV companies must promptly move stalled vehicles or face fines up to $10,000. This legislation follows incidents where Waymo vehicles stalled during events, causing traffic disruptions. Mayor Daniel Lurie has also called for stricter regulations on robotaxis, highlighting the need for these vehicles to handle large events without causing gridlock. The bill aims to ensure that AV companies are accountable for their vehicles' performance and do not impede emergency services.