VENTURA, CA, December 12, 2025 /24-7PressRelease/ -- In July 2026, California will officially begin enforcing new regulations on autonomous vehicles under Assembly Bill 1777 (AB 1777). As self-driving technology continues to evolve and gain traction across the state, legislators are taking proactive steps to prioritize public safety, accountability, and effective communication between vehicles and law enforcement.

The need for reform became especially evident after a widely circulated incident involving a Waymo autonomous car. The vehicle was observed violating traffic laws, but responding officers were unable to communicate with it because there was no driver inside. This event highlighted a growing safety concern as autonomous vehicles and rideshare services expand on California's roads.

AB 1777 directly addresses these issues by requiring all autonomous vehicles to include a secure communication system accessible only to first responders. This channel will allow law enforcement to interact with driverless cars in emergency or traffic situations.

The bill also updates liability standards to reflect modern realities. When autonomous driving technology is engaged, manufacturers will be held responsible for violations or collisions. Conversely, if a human is manually operating the vehicle, the driver will retain full liability. AB 1777 marks a significant step toward safer, more accountable autonomous transportation in California.

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