Waymo Robotaxis Are Now Taking the Fast Lane
The era of highway-ready robotaxis has arrived. Waymo just announced its autonomous vehicles can now operate on freeways in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Phoenix—marking the biggest leap yet in self-driving ride services.
The Freeway Challenge Begins
Waymo has already conquered city streets. Now it’s moving to highways, where speeds are faster, stakes are higher, and the traffic can get chaotic. Starting this month, select rides will include freeway segments, with full access expanding soon.
Riders will be able to hit speeds up to 65 MPH, and Waymo confirmed its cars may even slightly exceed speed limits in certain safety situations. The company is coordinating with both California Highway Patrol and Arizona DPS to ensure a smooth rollout.
A Milestone in Autonomous Driving
Waymo’s co-CEO Dmitri Dolgov called the freeway launch a “profound engineering feat.” Navigating on-ramps, weaving commuters, and unpredictable objects (yes, even mattresses) is no small task for an AI driver.
This shift represents a huge technical achievement, proving Waymo’s confidence in its platform. Freeway driving is often the most stressful part of a commute—Waymo wants to take that off your plate.
A Race with Tesla Heats Up
Waymo’s move comes as Tesla’s Robotaxi service gains momentum in Austin. While Waymo hasn’t directly addressed the rivalry, the timing speaks volumes. The company is also expanding its Bay Area coverage to include San Jose and Mineta Airport, tightening its grip on California’s autonomous market.
What’s Next?
Waymo is now operating in more places, at higher speeds, with greater complexity. The next challenge? Scaling profitably, earning trust, and staying ahead of Tesla.
One thing is certain: Waymo just stepped on the gas—and the driverless future is no longer stuck in the slow lane. The real question now is: who reaches full autonomy at scale first?
