Autonomous Antics: Driverless Waymo Pulled Over in San Bruno for Illegal Turn

In a scene straight out of a futuristic comedy, a Waymo self-driving car found itself in a bit of a pickle in San Bruno, California, becoming the unlikely star of a traffic stop that left police officers scratching their heads. The incident, which unfolded on February 9th and later shared by the San Bruno Police Department, perfectly illustrates the peculiar challenges and occasional humor inherent in the dawn of autonomous vehicle technology.

The saga began when a Waymo vehicle, operating without a human driver or passenger, committed a classic traffic faux pas: an illegal right turn on a red light.

And to make matters even more memorable, it did so directly in front of a San Bruno police car. Observing the clear violation, the officers did what any law enforcement official would do – they initiated a traffic stop.

With flashing lights in its rearview, the Waymo vehicle dutifully pulled over, demonstrating its programming to comply with traffic laws, even when it's the one breaking them.

However, the subsequent interaction took an unexpected turn. As officers approached the stopped vehicle, they were met with an empty interior. No nervous driver fumbling for their license and registration, no passenger explaining the situation, just an impeccably clean, driverless car.

The situation became even more amusing when, after initially stopping, the Waymo car decided to autonomously move itself to a safer, less obstructive location off the main road.

This proactive maneuver, while logical for traffic flow, further highlighted the car's independence and the officers' unique predicament in trying to communicate with a machine.

San Bruno police quickly adapted, contacting Waymo's support team who provided remote assistance and confirmed the vehicle's operational status.

It was a bizarre but ultimately harmless encounter. No citation was issued, likely due to the novel circumstances and the difficulty of assigning fault in the traditional sense when a computer is at the wheel. The incident serves as a fascinating anecdote in the ongoing rollout of self-driving technology, reminding us that while these cars are incredibly advanced, they're not entirely immune to the occasional human-like error – or at least, programming quirks.

This event in San Bruno is a small but significant moment, showcasing the need for continued evolution in both autonomous driving software and the protocols for human interaction with these intelligent machines.

It's a glimpse into a future where traffic stops might involve calling tech support instead of asking for a license and registration.