Self-Driving Cars Interfere With First Responders, NHTSA Issues Warning

The head of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Jonathan Morrison, issued a warning on July 9, 2026, regarding self-driving cars interfering with first responders. He described this trend as “unacceptable” and a potential danger to the public safety.

Incidents of Interference with Emergency Services

Morrison highlighted a clear pattern of interference from autonomous vehicles (AVs) over recent months. These incidents included AVs entering active emergency scenes, obstructing ambulances, and failing to respond to flashing lights and traffic cones. He stated, “An AV that cannot safely interact with first responders is a danger to the general public.”

During closed-door meetings earlier this year, officials from various city law enforcement and emergency departments reported that Waymo robotaxis were hindering emergency responses. One fire chief labeled the vehicles' behavior as a “safety issue for our crews as well as the victims.”

Responses from Autonomous Vehicle Companies

In response to the NHTSA's concerns, a spokesperson from Zoox emphasized the company's commitment to addressing first responder interactions, stating, “We support NHTSA's push to hold the industry accountable.” Waymo, however, declined to comment on the matter.

A San Francisco official reported that Waymo's technology has been “backsliding,” while Austin police noted that Waymo vehicles often freeze in critical situations and do not respond effectively to hand signals from officers.

Future Actions by NHTSA and Industry Accountability

Morrison indicated that the NHTSA would meet with autonomous vehicle companies by the end of July to discuss solutions to these safety concerns. The agency has previously issued recalls related to AV technology, including incidents involving Waymo vehicles on flooded roads and Zoox robotaxis stopping in front of oncoming traffic. Both companies have resolved these issues through software updates.

In a recent press release, the NHTSA acknowledged past efforts to ease regulations for autonomous vehicles, allowing more companies to deploy vehicles lacking traditional safety features. This regulatory shift aims to support the growth of the robotaxi industry, despite ongoing safety concerns.