Waymo’s driving style takes a turn towards more aggressive

Waymo, the Google sister company's autonomous taxis, have changed their driving style, and are dividing public opinion. Originally regarded as the epitome of a cautious, rule-compliant driving style, the robotaxis have recently been driving with significantly more confidence and, at times, even aggressively.

Waymo polizeikontrolle san bruno — Police inspection of a Waymo vehicle
Image: San Bruno Police Department

For years, Waymo vehicles consistently stopped at stop signs, waited at junctions, and demonstrated considerable caution when changing lanes or merging. This approach minimised risky manoeuvres such as rapid acceleration or tailgating. However, the defensive and passive behaviour of these robotaxis also had drawbacks: passengers and other road users criticised Waymo cars for “getting stuck” in traffic, such as remaining stationary for minutes behind incorrectly parked vehicles or hesitating excessively when merging.

Recently, however, something has changed. As the German publication Spiegel Online reports, passengers have noticed that many Waymo vehicles are now driving far more assertively than before. They no longer hesitate as long, navigate around obstacles more closely, and overtake more quickly. Some find this driving style reminiscent of an aggressive taxi or Uber driver rather than a well-programmed robotaxi making software-driven decisions.

The Wall Street Journal has documented further examples: the article highlights illegal U-turns, excessive acceleration at pedestrian crossings, and the so-called ‘California Stop’, where vehicles slow down at a stop sign but do not come to a complete halt.

Waymo has now confirmed these observations. The company has adjusted the programming of its vehicles to enable robotaxis to act confidently and assertively, according to Waymo Product Director Chris Ludwick. He explained that if robotaxis drive too passively, they can disrupt the flow of traffic. While the vehicles remain programmed to comply with traffic rules, they are now expected to make decisions with ‘common sense,’ even if it is a computer making them, and consider relevant ‘nuances,’ Ludwick added.

Interestingly, police in San Bruno, California, recently stopped a Waymo vehicle after it performed an illegal U-turn. This incident has left many internet users wondering how police can even pull over a robotaxi. Presumably, the vehicle’s software is designed to recognise police signals. However, officers were unable to issue a fine because no human was behind the wheel. A new law set to take effect in California in July 2026 will hold operating companies liable in such cases.

spiegel.de (in German), wsj.com (Paywall)

This article was first published by Florian Treiß for electrive’s German edition.