Autonomous vehicles / emergency response
First responders get a clearer line to driverless cars
SB 1246 would require autonomous-vehicle makers to build in faster contact and response tools for emergencies, plus remote help and local incident response. It also sets training rules for law enforcement and other responders who may have to deal with a stalled car.
SB 1246 would require autonomous-vehicle makers to build in faster contact and response tools for emergencies. The bill also spells out more of the human support behind driverless cars, from remote help to local incident response.
- Adds a phone line for emergency officials to reach driverless cars
- Requires a two-way voice device inside autonomous vehicles
- Creates a new Penal Code section for enforcement
- Applies to vehicles operating without a human physically present
- California is moving driverless cars from a basic approval framework toward tighter safety and accountability rules
California is moving driverless cars from a basic approval framework toward tighter safety and accountability rules. SB 1246, a bill by Sen. Dave Cortese, would add new requirements for autonomous vehicles operating without a human operator physically present, including an emergency-response phone line that officials can reach when something goes wrong.
The bill lands on top of a system that already requires Department of Motor Vehicles approval before autonomous vehicles can operate on public roads, and it comes as existing law begins imposing separate requirements on vehicles without a human physically present starting July 1, 2026.
A direct line for responders
Under the proposal, manufacturers would have to maintain a dedicated emergency-response telephone line for emergency-response officials. The vehicles themselves would also need a two-way voice communication device, so responders can speak with the vehicle while it is operating.
That matters because a driverless car can leave police, firefighters and other first responders with no obvious person to call or question at the scene. The bill is aimed at closing that gap before confusion turns into delay.
The enforcement hook
SB 1246 also adds Section 13519.16 to the Penal Code and new chapter language to Division 16.6 of the Vehicle Code. In plain terms, it gives the new safety duties something firmer than guidance behind them.
Recorded votes show the bill cleared a floor vote.