Waymo and other robotaxi operators are under the spotlight as lawmakers push for new federal safety standards. Rep Kevin Mullin’s proposed bill aims to establish minimum national safety protocols for AVs, following incidents where autonomous vehicles impeded emergency services.

The legislation would require clear emergency response protocols from AV companies, a 24-hour hotline for public officials and geofencing capabilities to restrict vehicle operations during emergencies. Waymo supports these guidelines but argues that self-regulation is key.

San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie echoed Mullin’s concerns over incidents where robotaxis obstructed emergency access. Similar issues have raised eyebrows among federal regulators, with NHTSA demanding solutions from AV developers to prevent such disruptions.

The push for standardization comes as the industry grows in popularity. Waymo operates hundreds of robotaxis in San Francisco, but recent mishaps highlight the challenges of integrating autonomous vehicles into emergency response coordination.