Police Stop Robotaxi for Making an Illegal Turn, But There's No Driver in the Seat | Carscoops

      Autonomous vehicles in California are currently not subject to tickets, but this exemption will expire in July 2026.

      A Waymo robotaxi recently stopped unexpectedly in traffic, prompting a G-Class driver to approach it. The vehicle then made an illegal left turn. After stopping again, an officer investigated the situation but was unable to issue a ticket.

      In Los Angeles, a Waymo self-driving robotaxi found itself in a tricky situation after it abruptly halted in traffic, executed an illegal left turn, and was subsequently pulled over by a police officer. While a human driver would likely have received a citation, autonomous vehicles are presently exempt in California since there is no human driver to hold liable.

      A video of the incident was shared on social media, depicting a white Jaguar I-Pace stalled in the road while a Mercedes-Benz G-Class driver expressed frustration from behind. According to the individual recording, the driver hit the back of the robotaxi, possibly out of irritation or in a hopeful attempt to get it moving again. Although this approach is not usually effective, it sometimes works on stubborn household appliances.

      In this instance, it appeared to work, as the robotaxi resumed movement shortly after. However, its next actions did not help the situation. A police officer in a Ford Explorer followed the Waymo vehicle, which then made an awkward and illegal left turn in front of an electric Mercedes.

      After seemingly getting confused by the police lights, the robotaxi eventually pulled over to the side of the road.

      What transpired once the officer exited the vehicle and approached the Jaguar is unclear, but it is likely they communicated with a human operator via phone since there was no one inside the robotaxi.

      Ultimately, it seems that Waymo's vehicle escaped without a ticket. As reported by The Washington Post, autonomous vehicles are currently exempt from moving violations in California, as these must be directed at a human driver.

      However, this regulation will change. Starting in July 2026, law enforcement will have the authority to issue “notices of autonomous vehicle noncompliance” for self-driving vehicles that violate traffic laws. This change is certainly overdue.