An era where autonomous vehicles are also subject to the judgment of law. On July 1, 2026, the U.S. state of California will implement a groundbreaking bill set to shake up the autonomous vehicle industry and road traffic paradigms. The so-called 'AB 1777' law establishes a legal framework that directly holds the manufacturer of a driverless autonomous vehicle responsible if the vehicle violates traffic laws. This means that, much like human drivers are fined, companies that design and operate these vehicles will now receive a powerful symbolic message in the form of a 'ticket'. This change arises at the intersection of technological advancement and legal systems, offering significant implications for many countries worldwide, including South Korea. Crucially, the essence of AB 1777 extends beyond mere fine imposition. If an autonomous vehicle violates traffic laws or obstructs an emergency situation, law enforcement will issue an official 'Notice of AV Noncompliance' to the manufacturer or operator. This notice will be forwarded to the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and accumulated as data that could impact the manufacturer's permit renewal. In other words, even a single traffic violation could directly affect the company's business continuity. This sends a strong signal that autonomous vehicles are no longer considered machines under testing but rather drivers on the road, signifying the arrival of an era where compliance with traffic laws, not just autonomous driving technology, critically impacts business survival. The bill comprises three key elements. First, police will be able to officially issue 'tickets' to manufacturers or operators when driverless vehicles violate regulations. Second, if firefighters or police send a geofencing signal instructing a vehicle to move, the 'Two-minute Rule' will apply, requiring the vehicle to exit the designated area within two minutes. Third, two-way communication will be mandated, allowing police officers to immediately converse with human operators at a remote control center from outside the vehicle. These three elements aim to clarify the liability of autonomous vehicles, enhance emergency response capabilities, and establish a seamless communication system with law enforcement agencies. So, what is the background behind the creation of this bill? California is considered one of the most active regions for autonomous vehicle technology testing and commercialization. As the adoption of autonomous vehicles expanded, there has been a continuous stream of minor and major traffic accidents and social controversies. Reports of vehicles unexpectedly stopping just before reaching their destination or obstructing the movement of emergency vehicles during critical situations highlighted the need for regulation. Based on these incidents, California state authorities enacted AB 1777 to balance public safety with technological innovation. This bill is expected to clarify legal liability that may arise during the commercialization of autonomous vehicles, strengthen consumer protection, and ensure public safety. One of the unique elements of this bill is the 'Two-minute Rule'. This rule stipulates that if a police officer or firefighter sends a specific instruction using geofencing technology, the autonomous vehicle must leave the designated area within two minutes. Geofencing is a technology that uses GPS or RFID to establish a virtual boundary in a specific geographic area, allowing for rapid designation of an area and immediate command delivery to autonomous vehicles during emergencies. This regulation is designed to prevent autonomous vehicles from obstructing emergency rescue missions during critical situations. For instance, it aims to prevent scenarios where autonomous vehicles malfunction and block roads when emergency medical vehicles or fire suppression teams are responding. With the introduction of the Two-minute Rule, autonomous vehicles are expected to function as smart collaborative partners in emergency situations on the road. Controversy Surrounding the 'Two-minute Rule' and Enhanced Manufacturer Responsibility Furthermore, the mandatory two-way communication is expected to significantly enhance the effectiveness of law enforcement. When a police officer stops a driverless autonomous vehicle, they must be able to immediately communicate with a human operator at the remote control center via a communication device installed on the exterior of the vehicle. This resolves the previous ambiguity regarding whom to communicate with when an autonomous vehicle violated regulations. Police can explain the situation and request necessary actions in real-time, while the operator can immediately ascertain the vehicle's status and violation details to respond. This two-way communication system will enhance the transparency of law enforcement and help minimize disputes arising from misunderstandings. Of course, criticisms of this bill also exist. Manufacturers
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