Waymo's Self-Driving Taxis in Austin Accumulate 83 Parking Tickets Totaling $9,325

Waymo is facing a parking ticket problem in Austin, Texas. Since entering the market in 2024, its self-driving taxis have accumulated 83 parking tickets, with total fines of $9,325. As of mid-July this year, $7,433 in fines had been paid, while $1,892 remained unpaid. The violations include 64 instances of parking in tow-away zones, 13 for failing to pay metered parking, and 9 tickets for blocking traffic lanes. The highest single ticket was $519, issued for occupying a disabled parking space.

Waymo currently operates more than 300 self-driving taxis in Austin, roughly half of its Texas fleet. Between passenger trips, some vehicles park in public spaces while waiting for ride requests, while others return to an operations center managed by Uber for parking, charging, and cleaning.

Previously, a Waymo vehicle was towed by police after partially blocking railroad tracks, and another occupied a disabled parking spot at an elementary school while waiting for a passenger. Residents have also complained that a Waymo idled for more than five minutes at a church parking lot entrance, blocking vehicles attending services. In Austin, parking tickets are issued to the vehicle rather than the driver, making the operating company responsible. A Waymo spokesperson stated that the company does not seek special treatment, reviews each ticket, and will legally contest any it believes to be incorrect.

Waymo plans to begin operating independently through its own app in Austin and Atlanta starting in January 2028. Services currently provided via the Uber platform will continue at least until May 2028.