Overview
- NHTSA launched a preliminary evaluation on December 3 into Waymo’s automated driving system behavior around school buses and set a January 20, 2026 deadline for the company’s response.
- Austin ISD police say Waymo vehicles have been cited 20 times since August, with district footage documenting at least 19 incidents near loading and unloading students.
- District officials report that at least five incidents occurred after Waymo deployed software changes on November 17, including a December 1 event they say violated Texas law.
- Austin ISD asked Waymo to halt operations during peak morning and afternoon bus hours, and the company declined the request.
- Waymo says the November updates meaningfully improved performance and that its vehicles proceeded cautiously when no one was present, while pledging continued improvements.