Driverless Waymo makes illegal U-turn in San Bruno. Who's accountable?

"Police officers in San Bruno didn't have to look far for a traffic violation Friday night a driverless Waymo pulled an illegal U-turn right in front of their patrol car. For those officers, it was the first time they had stopped a driverless vehicle in the city, underscoring a dilemma as autonomous cars spread beyond San Francisco: when no one is behind the wheel, who is held responsible for breaking the law?"

"Because autonomous vehicles are relatively new in San Bruno within the last few months, officers have seen these autonomous vehicles have actual drivers in them in the past, Traffic Division Sgt. Scott Smithmatungol said. So the officers conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle. The vehicle yielded to emergency lights on San Mateo Ave, just north of San Bruno Ave. Through the vehicle's built-in communication system, officers reached Waymo representatives and reported the violation. With no driver present, however, no ticket was issued."

"After testing its robotaxi service in San Francisco in 2021, Waymo launched a full rollout in the city in June 2024. Months later, it expanded to the Peninsula. It has since deployed cars in Brisbane, South San Francisco, San Bruno, Millbrae and Burlingame, with limited service in Mountain View, Palo Alto, Los Altos and parts of Sunnyvale. Waymo also has plans to expand to San Jose and San Francisco International Airport in the coming mon"

At about midnight in San Bruno a driverless Waymo made an illegal U-turn in front of a patrol car while officers were looking for intoxicated drivers. Officers signaled and conducted a traffic stop because they were unsure whether a human was inside. The vehicle yielded and officers used the car's built-in communication system to contact Waymo representatives and report the violation. No ticket was issued because no person was driving; San Mateo County illegal U-turn fines range from $200 to $300 or more. Waymo has expanded service across the Peninsula and plans further expansion.

Read at www.mercurynews.com