Waymo and School Bus Safety in Austin, Texas

Waymo’s driverless vehicles have been caught on camera repeatedly passing stopped school buses, even when children were present. As parents and as attorneys who represent families across Austin, we understand why this is alarming.

This Is Happening in Your Neighborhood

This isn’t a hypothetical concern. According to AISD police, Waymo vehicles have been cited at least 20 times this school year for passing stopped school buses with red lights flashing and stop arms deployed. In multiple incidents captured by the district’s bus cameras, children were visible in the footage, and in at least one case, a vehicle moved forward while a student was still in the road.

The school district asked Waymo to pause operations during bus hours until the problem was fixed. Waymo declined.

Texas Law Is Clear, But Enforcement Gets Complicated

Under Texas Transportation Code Section 545.066, every vehicle must stop when a school bus has its stop-arm extended and lights flashing. You cannot proceed until the bus moves again. This applies in both directions unless a physical barrier separates the lanes.

Fines for a first offense can reach $1,250. The problem is that this law was written for human drivers. When there’s no one behind the wheel, who gets the ticket? Who faces the consequences?

Texas does allow fully autonomous vehicles on public roads. Under Texas Transportation Code Section 545.454, these vehicles must operate in compliance with traffic laws, and while the statute does not explicitly assign liability, manufacturers may be held responsible for crashes caused by defects in the self-driving technology. 

In practice, this means that if an autonomous vehicle injures someone due to a software failure, the path to compensation often runs through a product liability claim against the manufacturer, not a negligence claim against a driver. 

These cases tend to be more complex, requiring access to technical data that the manufacturer controls: sensor logs, software decision-making records, and system data.

Getting that information typically requires legal action.

A “Software Recall” Doesn’t Mean the Problem Is Solved

Waymo announced a voluntary software recall in December 2025 after the school bus incidents made national news. The company stated that it had identified a software issue and deployed updates to address it. 

But a software recall doesn’t pull cars off the road. It’s an update pushed to vehicles that continue operating. According to AISD officials, at least one citation was issued on December 1, more than two weeks after Waymo said the fix had been implemented on November 17.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is now investigating and has given Waymo until January 20, 2026, to respond to detailed questions about how its vehicles operate around school buses.

What You Can Do Right Now

Report what you see. If you witness any vehicle passing a stopped school bus, report it to the Austin Police Department (APD) and AISD. The district’s stop-arm cameras have been critical in documenting these violations, but eyewitnesses add weight.

Document close calls. If you are aware of a near miss, write down the time, location, and exactly what happened while it’s fresh. Take photos of the area if possible, and collect contact information from anyone who witnessed it. This information matters if something more serious happens later.

Know the timeline. In Texas, most personal injury claims must be filed within two years of the incident. That may seem like a long time, but evidence can disappear quickly – especially digital evidence controlled by technology companies.

At Sandoval & James, we’ve spent years fighting for Austin families who were hurt through no fault of their own. If you have questions about a specific incident, a close call, or just your rights as a parent, we’re here to help. Our consultations are always free, we’re available 24/7, and we don’t collect a fee unless we win your case.

Call Sandoval & James at (512) 382-7707.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often has Waymo been caught passing a school bus in Austin?

Waymo cars have been recorded passing stopped school buses in Austin at least 20 times since August 2025, according to AISD police. In at least one of these incidents, the vehicle passed while a student was still in the road. 

What does Texas law say about passing school buses?

Texas Transportation Code § 545.066 is straightforward: stop when a school bus displays its red lights and stop-arm. Don’t proceed until the bus moves. Applies to both directions of traffic unless there’s a physical barrier. Fines can reach $1,250 for a first offense.

What is NHTSA, and what does its investigation mean?

NHTSA, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, is the federal agency that oversees vehicle safety. They have opened an investigation into Waymo’s behavior around school buses and requested answers by January 20, 2026. If they find a safety defect, they can require a recall.

Can I bring a claim if a self-driving car breaks the law and hurts someone?

In many cases, yes. Texas law requires autonomous vehicles to obey traffic laws and hold liability insurance. If an AV causes an injury due to a software failure or other defect, the manufacturer may be liable. These cases can be complex, so it helps to talk to an attorney who understands the technology and the law.

How do I report a dangerous AV incident in Austin?

For emergencies, call 911. For non-emergencies, contact Austin 311 and select “Non-Emergency Vehicle Issues.” You can also file a safety complaint directly with NHTSA at NHTSA.gov/report-a-safety-problem or call 888-327-4236.

Are Waymo vehicles still operating near schools?

Yes. Despite AISD’s request, Waymo continues to operate in Austin. Under Texas law, cities cannot regulate autonomous vehicle operations, as that authority is handled at the state level.

We have prepared this article to provide information to our readers. It should not be considered as legal advice.