NHTSA Calls Self-Driving Cars' Interference at Emergency Scenes 'Unacceptable'

The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on July 8, 2026, sent a letter to developers demanding fixes, saying it had identified a "clear pattern" of self-driving cars entering emergency scenes and blocking ambulances and fire trucks. Administrator Jonathan Morrison called such incidents "unacceptable" and said the agency would hold individual meetings with each company by the end of July.