Federal regulators have launched an investigation into Waymo's robotaxis after reports that they continued to illegally pass stopped school buses, despite a software update intended to address this issue. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) noted that most incidents occurred after the update was rolled out in November 2025.
The investigation follows an earlier inquiry initiated in October 2025, prompted by footage of a Waymo vehicle maneuvering around a stopped school bus in Atlanta. Additional incidents have been reported in Austin, raising concerns about the effectiveness of the software fix and the safety of the autonomous vehicles.
Watch for updates on Waymo's response to the NHTSA investigation, as continued safety concerns could lead to stricter regulations or operational changes. Stakeholders should monitor how this impacts Waymo's public perception and future deployments in school zones.