Waymo, robotaxi operators face fresh scrutiny over emergency response failures

Rep. Kevin Mullin proposed the AV Emergency Response Coordination Act to set federal expectations for robotaxi behavior during emergencies.

The bill would require AV companies to share emergency protocols, maintain a 24-hour hotline, and help create national safety standards.

It would also let officials geofence autonomous vehicles during incidents, giving local authorities a way to restrict AV operations.

The push comes after reports that robotaxis have blocked ambulances and fire trucks, entered crime scenes, and failed to recognize emergency signals.