Home / Technology / Waymo Cars Cripple San Francisco on July 4th
Waymo Cars Cripple San Francisco on July 4th
7 Jul
Summary
- Several Waymo vehicles stopped operating in San Francisco during July 4th celebrations.
- Stalled autonomous cars ran out of charge, leading to them being towed.
- This incident is similar to a previous Waymo service suspension in December.
On July 4th, 2026, a significant traffic jam in San Francisco was exacerbated by stalled Waymo autonomous vehicles. The disruptions coincided with the city's Independence Day celebrations, which led to increased traveler volume and nearby road closures. Waymo confirmed that while some of its vehicles remained operational, others idled until they depleted their charge and subsequently required towing.
This incident is not the first time Waymo vehicles have caused traffic issues in the city. In December 2025, a power outage left San Francisco's Waymo cars inoperable at intersections with non-functioning traffic lights, leading to a temporary service suspension. Waymo has since stated that its team is continuously evaluating methods to enhance the company's resilience during major traffic disruptions, especially during significant city events.
