Waymo Robotaxis Continue Illegal School Bus Passes Despite Software Update

In a troubling development for autonomous vehicle safety, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has launched an investigation into Waymo's self-driving robotaxis. This inquiry comes after reports that these vehicles have continued to illegally pass school buses that are stopped with flashing red lights, even after a software update was implemented nearly a year ago. The NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) revealed that the majority of the reported incidents occurred after Waymo's software fix was rolled out on November 17, 2025.

The initial investigation into Waymo's operations began in October 2025, following alarming footage that showed one of its autonomous vehicles maneuvering around a stopped school bus in Atlanta. The bus had its stop sign extended and lights flashing as it unloaded children. In this incident, the Waymo robotaxi crossed perpendicularly in front of the bus from its right side and turned left around the front of the bus, raising serious safety concerns.

In response to these incidents, Waymo announced a software update aimed at addressing the issue. However, the NHTSA's recent findings indicate that the update has not resolved the problem, as multiple reports of similar behavior have surfaced since its implementation. Austin Independent School District officials have documented at least five incidents where Waymo vehicles passed stopped school buses, further complicating the narrative surrounding the effectiveness of the software fix.

The NHTSA's recall query aims to assess the adequacy of Waymo's remedy for the identified safety issues. This investigation is critical, as it could lead to further regulatory actions against Waymo if the findings reveal that the software update was insufficient in preventing illegal maneuvers around school buses. The agency's scrutiny reflects a growing concern about the safety of autonomous vehicles in complex urban environments, particularly when children are involved.

Waymo's response to the NHTSA's investigation remains to be seen, as the company has not yet provided a public comment on the ongoing situation. The implications of this investigation could extend beyond Waymo, potentially impacting the broader autonomous vehicle industry as regulators tighten safety standards and oversight.

The continuing incidents involving Waymo robotaxis have raised significant public safety concerns, particularly among parents and school officials. The Austin Independent School District has expressed alarm over the safety of students, emphasizing the need for stringent measures to ensure that autonomous vehicles adhere to traffic laws designed to protect children.

Local parents have voiced their fears, with some stating that they no longer feel safe allowing their children to walk to school. "It's alarming to think that a robotaxi could ignore the rules of the road, especially when kids are involved," said one concerned parent. The community's apprehension underscores the critical need for autonomous vehicle companies to prioritize safety and compliance with existing traffic regulations.

As the NHTSA's investigation unfolds, the future of autonomous vehicle regulations may be at a crossroads. The agency's findings could lead to stricter guidelines for self-driving technology, particularly concerning interactions with school buses and other vehicles that are crucial for child safety. Industry experts suggest that this situation may prompt a reevaluation of how autonomous vehicles are tested and deployed in public spaces.

Waymo, as a leader in the autonomous vehicle sector, faces significant pressure to demonstrate that its technology can operate safely and responsibly. The outcome of this investigation could set a precedent for how other companies approach safety and compliance in the rapidly evolving landscape of self-driving technology.

Looking ahead,, the ongoing investigation into Waymo's robotaxis highlights the critical intersection of technology and public safety. As regulators delve deeper into the incidents, the outcomes will likely shape the future of autonomous vehicle operations and their integration into everyday life.