NHTSA Requests Detailed Information from Waymo on Fifth-Generation System

Staff Reporter | PNN

Waymo’s self-driving Robotaxi has recently been accused of illegally passing school buses. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has asked Waymo to submit detailed information. Based on reports from the Austin School District, 19 incidents occurred during the 2025–26 school year where Waymo Robotaxis illegally overtook school buses.

In a letter sent on December 3, NHTSA requested details on Waymo’s fifth-generation autonomous system and operational procedures. The investigation began in October after an incident in Atlanta, where a Waymo Robotaxi passed a stopped school bus on the right side, then turned left in front of it. Waymo claimed the bus partially blocked the driveway, and its vehicle did not see flashing lights or the stop sign.

Waymo has already updated its software to improve Robotaxi performance. However, the Austin School District reported 19 incidents, including at least five after Waymo’s November 17 update.

Waymo stated, “Safety is our top priority. Our data shows Robotaxis reduce road accident injuries five times less than human drivers and pedestrian injury accidents twelve times less.”

The Austin School District instructed Waymo to suspend autonomous vehicle operations during school arrival and dismissal times—from 5:20 AM to 9:30 AM and 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM—until further software updates and regulatory compliance are ensured.

Four days later, NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation sent a follow-up letter asking whether Waymo had suspended operations, whether software updates resolved the issues, and if any re-inspection or recall was planned.

Waymo has pledged to continuously improve its software and cooperate with NHTSA, though local authorities’ concerns remain unresolved.