Robotaxi Rookie Mistake? Waymo Self-Driving Car Pulled Over by Phoenix Police for Illegal U-Turn

In a scene that could easily be mistaken for a futuristic comedy sketch, a Waymo autonomous taxi recently found itself on the wrong side of the law in Phoenix, Arizona. Local police confirmed they pulled over one of the company's driverless vehicles for executing an illegal U-turn, creating a spectacle that quickly went viral on social media.

The peculiar incident, which unfolded in broad daylight, saw a police cruiser signal the Waymo vehicle to stop.

With no human driver behind the wheel, the robotaxi dutifully pulled over, leaving both the attending officers and a passenger in the back to ponder the next steps. Bystanders, naturally, were quick to capture the unprecedented moment on their phones, sharing footage that showed the police car parked behind the Waymo.

According to police accounts, the autonomous vehicle had made an illegal U-turn, prompting the traffic stop.

While the officers did engage with the vehicle, and seemingly its passenger, it remains unclear how exactly a traffic warning or potential citation would be issued to a car without a driver. Ultimately, no citation was issued, and after a brief interaction, the police departed.

Interestingly, the Waymo vehicle didn't immediately drive off.

Footage indicated it remained stationary for a period even after the police car had left the scene, before eventually resuming its journey. This pause raised questions about the vehicle's protocol in such situations and how it processes commands or waits for human intervention during unforeseen circumstances.

A Waymo spokesperson later addressed the incident, stating the company is reviewing what transpired.

They emphasized that Waymo vehicles are designed to follow all traffic laws and that the company has a roadside assistance team available to support their autonomous fleet when needed. The event serves as a stark reminder of the evolving challenges and unique scenarios that arise as self-driving technology becomes more integrated into daily life, pushing the boundaries of traditional law enforcement and public interaction.