Police stop Waymo robotaxi for illegal U-turn during DUI operation

In Northern California, specifically San Bruno, an incident occurred during a DUI enforcement operation where police officers interacted with a self-driving Waymo taxi. On Saturday, September 27, 2025, officers noticed the Waymo robotaxi executing an illegal U-turn right in front of them. The unique situation puzzled officers as they discovered there was no human driver inside the vehicle, leading to an intriguing discussion about robot accountability for traffic violations. Authorities refrained from issuing a ticket, explaining that their citation books do not include the option to ticket a 'robot'. This situation underscores the challenges faced in regulating autonomous vehicles on public roads. The San Bruno Police Department publicized the event through social media, which attracted considerable attention and reactions from the community. Their post remarked humorously on the absence of a driver, stating, "That's right… no driver, no hands, no clue". The compelling nature of their post garnered more than 500 comments from residents, many expressing outrage over the lack of penalty being imposed on the robotaxi for its traffic infraction. This level of community engagement reflects the growing interest and concern surrounding self-driving technology and its implications for law enforcement. Although this incident revealed a gap in legislation regarding self-driving vehicles, it also highlighted that the matter is being actively addressed. A representative from the Waymo company commented on the situation, emphasizing that their autonomous systems are designed to comply with traffic laws and showing a dedication to improving road safety through their ongoing experiences. Additionally, police mentioned that legislation is underway to allow for notifications to driverless car companies regarding moving violations, hinting at future developments in regulation. As self-driving technology continues to advance, cities are left to grapple with how to manage and integrate these vehicles safely into already complex traffic systems. The incident in San Bruno is a timely reminder of the rapid changes taking place in transportation; it raises questions about both the legal implications of autonomous vehicles and the necessity for updated laws that accommodate a new type of road user. The response from agencies like Waymo and the evolving conversations around these technologies will likely shape the future of transport regulation for years to come.