SAN DIEGO — California's Department of Motor Vehicles has issued new regulations that will allow law enforcement officers to issue traffic tickets directly to autonomous vehicle companies operating robtaxis, rather than to drivers who don't exist. The new rules take effect July 1 and coincide with Waymo's preparation to launch its driverless taxi service in San Diego mid-year. A legal gap emerged after recent high-profile incidents involving autonomous vehicles. In one case, a Waymo vehicle in San Bruno was pulled over after making an illegal U-turn, but police had no driver to ticket under previous regulations. The new approach holds companies accountable for violations committed by their vehicles. Waymo operates driverless taxis in Los Angeles, the Bay Area, Phoenix and Atlanta. While the company cites its own data showing fewer accidents by Waymo taxis compared to human drivers, several incidents have raised safety concerns. Multiple violations have drawn public attention in recent months. In September, a Waymo was caught on camera blowing past a school bus in Atlanta with its red lights flashing—a violation that would cost human drivers $1,000. In December, a blackout in San Francisco caused more than a thousand Waymo robotaxis to stall at intersections, creating major traffic disruptions. In November, a Waymo stalled in front of a fire truck in San Francisco. Many San Diego residents support the new ticketing rules. "I think that's a good idea. Because who is accountable if they do anything wrong? It is literally a driverless vehicle," said Reveigh Gautier. "If they're breaking the law, anyone should. Anyone, right? There's no one driving. Whoever the owner is," said Bill Kilgore. California is calling these new rules "the most comprehensive AV regulations in the nation." Repeated or serious infractions could lead to the state suspending or revoking a company's driverless car permit.