CA AB2193

Traffic citations for autonomous vehicles without a person in the driver's seat must be issued to the registered owner of the vehicle

When a person occupies the driver's seat, citations go to that person regardless of whether autonomous technology is engaged, with specific exceptions

Exceptions apply when the vehicle operates as a permitted passenger transport service and the driver's seat occupant is a non-controlling customer, or when an employee of the registered owner is performing vehicle testing but not controlling it—in both cases, citations go to the registered owner

Citations may be issued by mail, and testing or deployment permit holders may contest citations under existing Vehicle Code procedures

The bill amends Section 38750 of the Vehicle Code to clarify liability for traffic violations committed by autonomous vehicles