California Cracks Down on Robotaxis That Block First Responders

California has become a major testing ground for the fast-growing robotaxi industry. Now, the state is setting tougher rules that aim to address incidents in which driverless cars interfere with first responders.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a new law this week that strengthens the state’s oversight and emergency-response rules for autonomous vehicles, including new penalties for companies whose vehicles get in the way during emergencies.

“California has embraced autonomous vehicles, but we cannot embrace innovation at the expense of…