In a moment that feels pulled from the future, police in San Bruno, California recently pulled over a vehicle that had no one behind the wheel. The autonomous car, operated by Waymo, made an illegal U-turn directly in front of officers during a DUI crackdown.
The stop raised an immediate and unusual question: if a car violates traffic laws but no human is driving, who is responsible? Officers confirmed the U-turn was illegal, but no citation was issued because there was no driver to ticket. As the department later joked, their citation books did not include a checkbox for “robot.” While the incident ended without a fine, it highlights a growing reality on American roads as driverless vehicles become more common.
Autonomous Vehicles Are Not Immune to Mistakes
Autonomous vehicle companies often emphasize that their technology is designed to strictly follow traffic laws and reduce human error. Yet incidents like this show that even advanced systems can make mistakes. In response to the stop, Waymo acknowledged the issue and stated it was reviewing the situation to improve safety and prevent similar errors.
This was not an isolated concern. The company has faced increased scrutiny in recent years, including recalls tied to software issues that caused vehicles to collide with stationary objects such as gates and chains. Federal regulators have also investigated reports of autonomous vehicles behaving erratically or violating traffic rules. These events underscore an important point: while driverless cars remove human distraction or impairment, they introduce new risks tied to software, sensors, and decision-making algorithms that are still evolving.
The Law Is Catching Up to the Technology
The San Bruno incident exposed a gap in existing traffic enforcement laws. Without a driver, officers had no clear authority to issue a traditional citation. That gap is closing. California lawmakers have passed legislation allowing police to issue notices of noncompliance to autonomous vehicle operators when their cars break traffic laws. This law, signed by Governor Gavin Newsom, is set to take effect in July 2026. It also requires autonomous vehicle companies to maintain emergency phone lines for first responders and to promptly move vehicles that interfere with traffic, emergency scenes, or public safety.
The legislation was introduced after a series of troubling incidents involving driverless cars blocking roads, interfering with fire trucks, entering active crime scenes, and even dragging a pedestrian. As autonomous vehicles expand into more cities and states, similar legal frameworks are likely to follow nationwide, redefining responsibility when technology, rather than a human, is in control.
Why This Matters as Driverless Cars Gain Popularity
Incidents like the illegal U-turn in San Bruno are a preview of what drivers, pedestrians, and lawmakers will continue to face as autonomous vehicles become more common. These cars are already operating on public roads, sharing space with human drivers who must trust that the technology will behave predictably. When something goes wrong, questions of fault, accountability, and safety quickly arise.
Is the company responsible, the software developer, or the vehicle owner? How do police respond in real time, and how are victims protected when there is no human driver to blame? As driverless technology advances, these questions will only become more pressing, particularly when accidents result in injuries or property damage. Clear laws and consistent enforcement will be critical to maintaining public trust and ensuring safety for everyone on the road.
Get Help on Long Island When You Need It
As transportation technology evolves, accidents involving autonomous or traditional vehicles can raise complex questions and serious consequences for those involved. If you’ve been hurt in a motor vehicle accident on Long Island, having experienced guidance matters. With more than 35 years of experience, Mark T. Freeley at North Shore Injury Lawyer has spent decades helping individuals and families navigate difficult situations after serious crashes.
He understands how quickly circumstances can become overwhelming and is committed to guiding clients through the process with care and clarity. If you need help understanding your options after an accident, contact his office for a free consultation at 631-495-9435 and get the support you deserve.