How Do Police Pull Over Driverless Cars? And Do They Get Speeding Tickets?
Updated as of August 29, 2025Picture This: A Cop Pulls Over a Car… With No Driver!
Driverless cars, like those from Waymo, Cruise, and Tesla, are zipping around cities more than ever. But what happens when one breaks the rules? Can police even pull them over? And who gets the ticket—the car, the company, or no one? Let’s dive into this fascinating world of autonomous vehicles (AVs) and law enforcement. We’ll look at real stories, the rules, and what’s coming next—all in a way that’s easy to follow and full of interesting tidbits.Real-Life Stories of Driverless Cars Getting Stopped
These aren’t sci-fi movies—these are actual events where cops interacted with empty cars. Here’s a roundup of some head-scratching moments from recent years:- In July 2025, a Waymo robotaxi in Los Angeles made an illegal left turn right in front of police. The cop pulled it over, but with no driver inside, there was no one to ticket! The car just sat there while officers figured out what to do.
- Back in June 2024, a Phoenix officer stopped a Waymo after it swerved into oncoming traffic to dodge construction. The car pulled over safely, and the cop chatted with a remote Waymo support rep via the vehicle’s system. No ticket issued—again, no driver!
- In early 2022, a Cruise AV in San Francisco got flagged for no headlights at night. It pulled over, flashed its hazards, and waited politely. Officers were impressed by how cooperative the empty car was.
- January 2025 brought a wild twist: A robber hopped into a Waymo in LA after a store heist. The car detected sirens, pulled over, and the thief was busted—no getaway for him!
- Online forums like Reddit buzz with stories of AVs hunting for safe spots to stop when cops signal them. Sometimes, they even “flee” briefly before complying, adding to the confusion.
Who Pays the Price? Ticketing in the Age of No Drivers
Here’s where it gets tricky: Traditional tickets are for human drivers. So, for a speeding robotaxi?- In California, as of 2025, cops can’t issue moving violation tickets (like speeding or red lights) to fully driverless AVs because there’s no one to cite. But parking tickets? Those stick to the vehicle itself.
- States like Texas and Arizona make the company (Waymo or Cruise) responsible. They can fine the operator for the AV’s mistakes.
- Overall, laws are catching up. In 2025, 25 states introduced 67 bills on AVs, with some like California and DC adding robotaxi rules. Check your state’s DMV or sites like the National Conference of State Legislatures for the latest.
- Fun fact: Waymo racked up nearly 600 parking tickets in San Francisco last year alone!
How Do These Cars Know to Pull Over?
AVs aren’t rebels—they’re built to follow the law. Here’s the cool tech behind it:- They use sensors to spot police lights and sirens, then find a safe spot to stop. Waymo cars even let officers talk to a human rep remotely.
- Cruise vehicles activate hazards and unlock doors for easy access.
- Tesla’s robotaxis are joining the party, with videos showing them yielding to emergency vehicles like pros.
The Bumps in the Road: Challenges and What’s Next
As more AVs hit the streets, there are hurdles to clear:- Legal Gaps: Some states lack rules, leading to “get out of jail free” for AVs. But 2025 saw new laws in places like Illinois and New York to fix that.
- Who’s Responsible? Companies want clearer federal guidelines, while states handle most rules for now.
- Future Tech: Expect smarter systems, like remote overrides or digital signals from cops. A new federal bill might even require AVs to report how often they block emergency vehicles.
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