Key facts
- Two teenagers were detained by San Mateo Police after engaging in disruptive behavior inside a Waymo robotaxi.
- The passengers were reportedly drinking alcohol and firing gel beads from toy guns out of the vehicle.
- Waymo's robotaxi stopped the vehicle and alerted the police.
- Waymo's internal rules prohibit drug or alcohol use, throwing objects from the car, and the presence of weapons, including toy guns.
- The police emphasized the potential dangers of toy guns and underage drinking.
Two teenagers in California learned a hard lesson about passenger conduct when a Waymo robotaxi stopped and alerted the San Mateo Police to their activities. The teens were reportedly consuming alcohol and firing gel beads from toy guns out of the driverless vehicle.
According to a police Facebook post, the Waymo vehicle halted its journey and contacted authorities after detecting the passengers' behavior. Officers arrived and safely removed the individuals, determining they were engaged in drinking and shooting Orbeez from the car. Police highlighted that while the toy guns may have been inexpertly painted, they could be mistaken for real firearms and that projectiles can cause damage. Underage drinking was also cited as a violation.
Waymo's policies strictly prohibit drug or alcohol use within its vehicles, regardless of local laws. The company also has rules against throwing objects from the car and carrying weapons. The teens, who were under 18, also violated the rule requiring adult accompaniment for younger passengers.
This incident follows a previous report of passengers being cited for drinking inside a Waymo in Los Angeles last year. The police acknowledged the ingenuity of the scheme but reiterated the potential dangers associated with toy guns and the illegality of underage drinking.