Can police cite driverless cars for traffic violations?

Yes, some states like Arizona and Texas allow police to cite autonomous vehicles. However, the enforcement and penalties vary significantly by jurisdiction.

What happens when a Waymo car breaks traffic laws?

Waymo states it can receive citations and pay them. State regulators can also suspend AV operations for safety reasons, but accountability measures are still evolving.

Are driverless cars proven to be safer than human drivers?

While some companies claim superior safety, experts suggest there isn't enough data yet to definitively prove autonomous vehicles are safer than human drivers.

Home / Technology / Driverless Cars: Who Pays for Traffic Violations?

Driverless Cars: Who Pays for Traffic Violations?

28 Nov, 2025

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Summary

Autonomous vehicles face scrutiny after recent traffic mishaps.
States grapple with citing driverless cars for traffic violations.
Lack of clear penalties leaves accountability in question.

Driverless Cars: Who Pays for Traffic Violations?

Recent incidents involving autonomous vehicles have sparked intense debate and confusion among law enforcement and state officials regarding accountability for traffic violations.

While driverless cars operate in states like California, Arizona, and Texas, a patchwork of regulations exists. Some states permit police to cite these vehicles, yet the effectiveness and clarity of penalties are often questioned, with critics arguing they are too lenient for large corporations.

Experts point to the lack of clear consequences, such as the case in California where a new law allows notices but no defined penalties. This regulatory ambiguity leaves a significant gap in ensuring the safety and compliance of autonomous vehicles on public roads.

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