California Assembly Bill 1777 (2023–24 Regular Session)
California AB 1777 (Chaptered into law on September 27, 2024) amends the California Vehicle Code to establish new regulatory requirements for autonomous vehicles that operate without a human driver present. Among its key provisions:
- Emergency response communication: Beginning July 1, 2026, manufacturers must maintain a dedicated emergency response hotline and equip autonomous vehicles with two-way voice communication devices to facilitate contact between emergency responders and remote human operators.
- Emergency geofencing: Authorized emergency response officials may issue geofencing instructions to direct an autonomous vehicle to avoid or leave a specified area; manufacturers must comply within 2 minutes of receiving such messages.
- Noncompliance reporting and enforcement: Peace officers may issue notices of autonomous vehicle noncompliance for violations of the Vehicle Code or local ordinances while autonomous technology is engaged. Manufacturers must report such notices to the DMV within a specified timeframe.
- Rulemaking: The bill requires the Department of Motor Vehicles to adopt regulations for the processes related to notices of noncompliance and associated procedures before certain provisions become operative.
This legislation aims to address public safety and enforcement concerns related to autonomous vehicles operating on California roads.