Public Safety To Improve When Autonomous Vehicles Operate On CA Streets Under Ting Legislation Signed Into Law

For immediate release:

Friday, September 27, 2024

With the Governor's signature today on AB 1777 by Assemblymember Phil Ting (D-San Francisco), autonomous vehicle (AV) companies are set to have clear guidelines in California when their driverless cars get into an accident or encounter first responders. The legislation authorizes law enforcement to take action when an AV violates the vehicle code, giving the DMV more information to adjust operational permits, based on repeated problems. It also enhances communication and safety tools emergency crews need to do their job in a timely manner. Ultimately, the first responders, passengers, pedestrians, and other drivers will be better protected once this law is implemented.

"We must prioritize public safety, but not at the expense of innovation. Before autonomous vehicles get too commonplace, California needs to get ahead of the game to ensure safety for all on our streets. I thank the Governor for seeing the need to adapt to our changing streets," said Ting, who rode in an AV last year and found it safe.

AB 1777 creates a process that gives law enforcement the ability to cite vehicles via a notice of non-compliance. The AV company must then report the citation to the DMV within 72 hours of receiving it. With enough data, the DMV can better track vehicle safety, and adjust permit operations when necessary to improve road safety. The bill also standardizes communication and interaction with emergency crews by requiring:

• A dedicated phone line to AV companies for first responders
• Two-way interior and exterior communication system, so that nearby first responders can communicate with the vehicle without compromising safety
• Opt-in geo-fencing, which are virtual boundaries around a physical location to trigger an action

"The San Francisco Fire Department is grateful for Assemblymember Ting's hard work on Assembly Bill 1777 and the critical first steps it takes to improve interactions between autonomous vehicles and first responders. As the industry evolves and expands, we anticipate future work and will build on the relationships fostered between the Legislature, industry, and public safety agencies," said Darius Luttropp, Deputy Chief of Operations for the San Francisco Fire Department.

Ting's legislation is a direct response to issues experienced in San Francisco, one of two cities globally to test and operate fully autonomous vehicles on their roads. Phoenix is the other. In San Francisco, incidents include disrupting traffic, rolling over, then dragging a pedestrian, impeding firefighting response at multiple scenes and driving into crime scenes.

To give companies time to comply, AB 1777 takes effect July 1, 2026.