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Are self-driving cars breaking laws?
Self-driving cars are designed to follow traffic laws, but incidents like the Waymo illegal U-turn show that they can sometimes violate regulations. These events highlight ongoing challenges in ensuring autonomous vehicles fully comply with traffic rules, especially as legislation evolves to address these issues.
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What happened with Waymo's illegal U-turn in San Bruno?
During a police operation in San Bruno, a Waymo autonomous vehicle made an illegal U-turn while no one was inside. This incident drew attention because it demonstrated that autonomous vehicles can perform illegal maneuvers, raising concerns about their safety and compliance with traffic laws.
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Can police issue tickets to autonomous vehicles?
Currently, police cannot issue traditional tickets to autonomous vehicles in many cases, especially when no driver is present. However, new legislation in California, effective from July 2026, will allow authorities to issue notices of noncompliance directly to manufacturers for rogue autonomous vehicles.
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What are the safety concerns with driverless cars?
Safety concerns include the risk of illegal maneuvers, software malfunctions, and unpredictable behavior in complex traffic situations. Incidents like the U-turn in San Bruno highlight the need for stricter regulations and improved technology to ensure autonomous vehicles operate safely.
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How is legislation changing to regulate autonomous vehicles?
Legislation is evolving to better regulate autonomous vehicles, including laws that allow police to issue notices for violations and hold manufacturers accountable. California's upcoming law in 2026 is a significant step toward ensuring these vehicles adhere to traffic laws and improve safety standards.