Noise Complaints FORCE Action on Robotaxis

Santa Monica residents are taking matters into their own hands as Waymo’s driverless cars create constant noise pollution in their neighborhood, placing traffic cones on vehicles and blocking access to charging stations.

At a Glance

• California regulations requiring electric vehicles to emit audible sounds when reversing have turned Waymo’s driverless cars into a major noise nuisance
• Residents report continuous beeping sounds from early morning until late night, disrupting sleep and daily life
• Local protests include “coning” tactics, where residents place traffic cones on Waymo cars to disrupt operations
• City officials were unaware of Waymo’s operations until residents complained about the noise pollution
• Despite Waymo’s attempts to reduce noise, including limited staff hours and sound barriers, residents remain unsatisfied

Regulatory Requirements Creating Neighborhood Nightmare

Santa Monica residents are increasingly frustrated with Waymo’s driverless vehicles, which have turned their once-peaceful neighborhood into a cacophony of persistent beeping sounds. The noise stems from California state regulations that require electric vehicles to emit audible warnings when reversing, similar to delivery trucks. These autonomous vehicles, operated by Google’s sister company Waymo, generate continuous noise as they navigate charging stations and city streets, creating a significant disruption for local homeowners.

“[T]o hear it from residents, the beeping never seems to stop, largely due to a state regulation requiring electric vehicles to audibly reverse like delivery trucks. They beep as they back out of charging spots, and beep as they reverse to navigate around each other. They beep in the morning as they head out to pick up early passengers, and beep late at night as they return to charge up.”, according to The LA Times.

The noise pollution extends throughout the day and night as the vehicles operate around the clock. Many residents report being awakened in the early morning hours and kept up late into the night by the constant beeping. What’s particularly frustrating for many locals is that city officials were completely unaware of Waymo’s operations until the noise complaints began. The company had subleased a charging lot from another business, utilizing existing infrastructure, which initially flew under the radar of local government.

Residents’ Revolt Against Robotic Vehicles

As frustrations mounted, Santa Monica residents began taking direct action against the autonomous vehicles. Using a protest tactic known as “coning,” locals have started placing traffic cones on top of Waymo cars to disrupt their operations. This technique was inspired by the Bay Area activist group Safe Street Rebel, which previously used similar methods to protest against robotaxis, ultimately contributing to the DMV’s suspension of Cruise’s operating license in 2023.

“I want the noise stopped. I thought it was cool, and then those freaking noises started. And then I thought, ‘Oh no, this can’t be happening.”, said Darius Boorn.

Some residents have gone beyond coning, physically blocking the vehicles from entering their charging lot and calling law enforcement to intervene. The escalation reflects the community’s growing frustration with what they perceive as an invasion of their right to peace and quiet. Waymo has responded by attempting to secure restraining orders against some protesters, though these legal efforts have not always been successful.

Seeking Solutions to Sound Pollution

Waymo has made several attempts to address residents’ concerns about noise pollution. The company has implemented measures including limiting staff hours, using quieter maintenance equipment, and planting bamboo as a natural sound barrier. However, these efforts have fallen short of resolving the fundamental issue – the legally required warning sounds that cannot be eliminated without regulatory changes.

“The issue here is that they are sounds that the vehicles are required to make. I’m totally sympathetic to the quiet enjoyment of property, so we’re trying to get this under control.”, said Caroline Torosis.

Santa Monica Mayor pro-tem Caroline Torosis has acknowledged the company’s efforts while highlighting that the core issue lies with state regulations. City officials are now working with state representatives to find a balance between safety regulations and residents’ quality of life. Meanwhile, Waymo continues discussions with Santa Monica’s Department of Transportation to address community concerns while maintaining its commitment to autonomous vehicle technology. The ongoing conflict highlights the challenges of integrating new technologies into established communities.