Houston to Monitor Areas Where Waymo Cars Idle for Days
The City of Houston is taking action regarding the issue of self-driving taxis idling on city streets. Recent reports highlight that Waymo vehicles have been parked for extended periods in residential areas, raising concerns among local residents.
Monitoring Areas Where Waymo Cars Idle
On December 30, 2025, it was announced that Houston will monitor locations where Waymo cars have been observed remaining stationary for days. Such instances have drawn attention to the behavior of these autonomous vehicles, particularly in neighborhoods.
Recent Observations
Residents have noted the peculiar behavior of Waymo cars. One Houston citizen shared her experience of a vehicle parked on Moody Street for five consecutive days before it vanished, only to reappear a week later.
Waymo’s Statement
In response to the reports, Waymo issued a statement emphasizing their operational protocol. The company explained that their vehicles utilize public parking spaces between trips to avoid contributing to traffic congestion unnecessarily.
City Ordinance on Parking
A local ordinance enforces regulations regarding public street parking. It prohibits vehicles from occupying the same spot for more than 24 hours, a rule that is applicable to all vehicles, including those operated by autonomous services.
Key Points
- Houston will monitor the idling of Waymo vehicles.
- Local residents report self-driving cars parked for days.
- Waymo uses public parking to prevent congestion.
- Vehicles must not occupy the same public space for over 24 hours.
The move to monitor these vehicles marks an important step in addressing residents’ concerns about self-driving taxis and their impact on Houston’s neighborhoods.
