California’s rules require driverless vehicles to give first responders a direct communication path, and they let local emergency officials order fleets out of an active emergency area. A separate law signed in September 2026 schedules additional staffing, local-response and accountability requirements for July 1, 2028.
What California requires robotaxi operators to do now
Under the AB 1777 framework and DMV regulations adopted for 2026, the requirements apply to driverless autonomous vehicles. The rules distinguish between how responders contact an operator, how a vehicle is handled at an incident, and how fleets must react when an area is restricted.
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Give responders a way to reach a person
Beginning July 1, 2026, driverless AVs must provide a two-way communication device for first responders. Manufacturers must also maintain a dedicated emergency-response line, with calls answered within 30 seconds by personnel who have situational awareness. The rules call for a two-way voice link, not merely a way to leave a message. These requirements are described in the California DMV’s adopted regulations and regulatory statement.
Plan for a safe vehicle interaction
Each manufacturer’s first-responder interaction plan must explain how responders can:
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- Identify and safely approach an AV;
- Immobilize, move or tow it, and disable it if necessary;
- Assist passengers; and
- Handle electrical-power and fire hazards.
The regulations also require annual updates to first-responder plans, access to manual override, and standards for remote operations. These are manufacturer and fleet-readiness duties; the interaction plan is intended to give responders procedures for dealing with a vehicle, rather than leave them to improvise around an unfamiliar system.
How California can clear robotaxis from an emergency area
Local emergency officials can issue a temporary directive telling AVs not to enter an identified area or restricting access to it. Vehicles already within the area must leave. The DMV says manufacturers must direct their fleets to exit within two minutes after receiving the message.
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The two-minute period runs from the manufacturer’s receipt of the directive. It is not described as a guarantee that every vehicle will be physically clear of the area two minutes after an official first sends the message. Violations can lead to permit restrictions or suspension.
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Law enforcement can issue an “AV noncompliance” notice to the manufacturer when alleging a moving violation involving an AV. The notice is a process directed to the manufacturer; it is not described as an ordinary ticket handed to a human driver in the vehicle.
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That notice process is distinct from emergency-area geofencing. A noncompliance notice addresses an alleged moving violation, while a temporary restricted-area directive tells a fleet where it may not operate and requires vehicles already there to leave. The rules also require plans for responders to immobilize or move an AV, but the available regulatory description does not establish a blanket power or a single procedure for physically moving any robotaxi in every circumstance.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What SB 1246 adds starting July 1, 2028
On September 30, 2026, Senator Dave Cortese announced that Governor Gavin Newsom had signed SB 1246. The announced requirements are scheduled for July 1, 2028, creating a second stage of obligations beyond the DMV’s 2026 operating rules.
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| SB 1246 obligation | What is described |
|---|---|
| Remote-driver staffing | U.S.-based, licensed remote drivers. |
| Local incident response | Local incident technicians. |
| Notice to local jurisdictions | Notifications when a system failure occurs. |
| Local penalties | Local penalties when an AV blocks first-responder operations for more than 30 minutes. The announced description does not state a penalty amount. |
| Response-time reporting | Additional reporting on response times; the announced description does not specify the reporting format or measures. |
This law adds local accountability mechanisms to the existing statewide DMV framework. It does not replace the current communication, emergency-zone, plan or permit requirements.
Why the rules gained urgency
A California Assembly Transportation Committee background paper dated June 8, 2026, described disruption during the December 20, 2025 San Francisco blackout. It reported that Waymo’s fleet stopped 1,593 times for two minutes or longer. Dispatchers called Waymo 31 times to get vehicles moved, and one call was left on hold for 53 minutes.
Senator Cortese said, “California has embraced autonomous vehicles, but we cannot embrace innovation at the expense of public safety.” The DMV said the updated rules add “additional accountability for AV manufacturers.”
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