A judge in Los Angeles County has ordered Waymo to cease overnight operations at two of its autonomous vehicle charging stations in Santa Monica, responding to ongoing complaints from local residents regarding noise, light, and traffic disturbances. The ruling, issued this week by Judge Bradley S. Phillips, restricts the use of the charging lots between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. as the legal dispute continues.

The charging stations, located at Euclid Street and Broadway, service 56 electric Jaguar I-PACE vehicles used for ride-sharing. According to residents, the vehicles emit constant beeping sounds while reversing and generate humming noises and light pollution that have disrupted their sleep and daily routines. Some neighbors have also taken direct action by physically blocking entrances or placing cones to obstruct Waymo’s vehicles, further complicating the situation.

Santa Monica city officials argued that the noise, light, and increased traffic from the lots constitute a public nuisance. While the charging facilities were initially approved by the city and are operated by Voltera, city authorities said they were not fully aware that operations would be conducted 24 hours a day until complaints began to surface. The city maintains its objective is to find a balance between supporting technological advancement and preserving residents' quality of life. “Our residents’ ability to sleep peacefully in their own homes is not negotiable,” Santa Monica Mayor Caroline Torosis said in a statement, emphasizing that the ruling offers relief while the litigation proceeds.

Waymo contested the allegations, maintaining that it complied with all relevant regulations and permits, and argued that the sound levels did not violate noise ordinances. The company expressed disappointment with the judge's decision, noting that the order could hinder its ability to provide safe and accessible transportation during overnight hours, which it describes as particularly dangerous for road users. A Waymo spokesperson stated the company would explore all available options to continue serving tens of thousands of riders who depend on the service in Santa Monica.

Judge Phillips rejected Waymo’s claim that continuous operation was permitted under city-issued approvals and dismissed the argument that sound from the site could not be considered a nuisance based on decibel limits alone. The court also found no evidence demonstrating that the ride-sharing service could not operate effectively with vehicles charged during daytime hours.

The dispute has spanned more than a year since Waymo began the 24-hour operations in January 2025, highlighting broader tensions between emerging transportation technologies and community concerns in urban areas. Santa Monica officials underscored the importance of ensuring that innovations like autonomous vehicles integrate compatibly within established neighborhoods.