Waymo is gradually reintroducing freeway driving for its robotaxi service more than two months after suspending these routes due to issues with how its vehicles handled construction zones. The company began this phased return starting in Phoenix, its first market with fully driverless rides, with plans to extend freeway service to other cities such as Los Angeles and the San Francisco Bay Area shortly. Waymo credits new software updates, which enhance scene recognition and routing around construction areas, for enabling the safe resumption of freeway operations across its service zones.

This pause and subsequent restart come amid heightened regulatory scrutiny of robotaxi safety, particularly concerning interactions with emergency responders and complex traffic scenarios. Recently, Representative Kevin Mullin introduced legislation aimed at establishing federal safety standards for autonomous vehicles, citing multiple incidents involving autonomous cars blocking emergency vehicles or misinterpreting roadside signals. Such incidents highlight the challenges that autonomous systems face in unpredictable and high-stress environments on public roads.

Waymo initially launched freeway-capable robotaxis in November 2025 in San Francisco, Phoenix, and Los Angeles, later adding Miami to this list. The ability to use freeways was a key improvement attracting riders by significantly shortening travel times, including faster airport access. However, in May 2026, this feature was abruptly halted following reports that robotaxis had entered highway areas closed for construction, prompting rider concern and social media questions about the service interruption.

In response, Waymo voluntarily recalled nearly 4,000 vehicles in June after identifying at least 13 incidents involving robotaxis driving into closed highway construction zones, though no accidents or injuries were reported. This marked the company’s sixth fleet recall related to various safety software adjustments, including responses to flooded roads and issues near school buses. Following thorough review and software improvements, Waymo is now cautiously reinstating freeway driving to restore full functionality for its autonomous ride-hailing network.