If you feel like technology is advancing rapidly, you might be right. In some states, such as California, laws have not yet caught up with technology.
If rideshare drivers and rental scooters weren’t already complicating the roads enough, there are now self-driving cars on the roads and no one is holding them accountable.
Since they have the potential to cause just as much damage as cars with drivers, it seems natural to expect self-driving cars to have the same level of consequences and liability.
But unlike Arizona and Texas, California has not changed its laws.
Cruise AV (Kelly Blue Book)
How self-driving cars can avoid traffic tickets in cities by the bay
Starting in 2022, autonomous vehicles (AVs) will be allowed to operate in San Francisco without a driver. AVs can be stopped by police officers like any other vehicle on the road, but they cannot be cited unless there is a driver or driver. A safety driver will be stationed at all times to supervise the operation of the vehicle.
Cruise AV (Kelly Blue Book)
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Technically, you can name the registered owner of the AV for non-moving violations, such as parking violations. Surprisingly, the registered owner of an AV cannot be charged with traffic violations such as blowing a stop sign or driving the wrong way on the road.
“Ticketed” sign (Kurt “Cyber Guy” Knutson)
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Why California needs to catch up with other states on self-driving vehicle laws
States such as Arizona and Texas have amended their laws to allow self-driving cars to be cited for driving violations regardless of whether they have a driver, but California has not. This specialization makes California the Wild West for AVs, as self-driving cars do not face similar consequences for moving violations. This is particularly troubling because it can be argued that the potential harm that moving violations can cause is typically greater than non-moving violations.
Ironically, California has the largest market for robotaxis, or AVs. Between Waymo and Cruise, there are more than 500 AV companies operating in San Francisco alone, and this was before the controversial vote to allow AV expansion. Compare this to Austin, Texas, where only 125 AVs are in operation.
street in san francisco (Kurt “Cyber Guy” Knutson)
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There is an urgent need for law reform regarding self-driving cars in San Francisco
San Francisco locals and officials alike report the challenges of living in a city full of AVs. From blocking emergency response teams to dragging pedestrians under AVs, it’s clear that legally something needs to change.
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Meanwhile, top robotaxis companies such as: cruise etc. While companies have taken a step back and suspended services in the wake of the highly publicized pedestrian dragging incident, it’s clear the law needs to speed up the technology.
Cruise AV on the road (cruise)
What can we do to make self-driving cars safer and more responsible?
As technology advances, the laws governing it must also evolve. AVs are not just a novelty, they are a reality that impacts the lives and safety of millions of people. As one of the leading cities for AV innovation, San Francisco should also be a leader in AV regulation. There are several steps that can be taken to make AVs safer and more responsible in San Francisco.
legal updates Allows AV moving violations to be cited regardless of whether a driver is present. This creates a deterrent against reckless or defective conduct by AVs and ensures that registered owners of AVs are held accountable for their conduct.
What is artificial intelligence (AI)?
Building a clear and transparent system To report and investigate AV incidents, particularly injuries and fatalities. This will help identify the causes and prevention of AV accidents and improve public trust and confidence in AV technology.
Establishing minimum standards AV safety and performance regulations, such as requiring AVs to be equipped with sensors, cameras, and communication systems that can detect and avoid obstacles, pedestrians, and other vehicles. This allows AVs to operate safely and reliably in complex and dynamic urban environments.
Cooperation with AV companies, researchers, and related parties Develop best practices and guidelines for AV testing and deployment. This fosters a culture of innovation and collaboration between the AV industry and the public sector, ensuring AVs are aligned with community needs and values.
Cart important points
AVs have the potential to change the way we travel, move, and live in San Francisco and beyond. However, they also pose significant challenges and risks that need to be addressed and controlled. By taking proactive and responsible steps to regulate autonomous vehicles, the city of San Francisco can ensure that AVs are not only a technological marvel, but a social good.
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