Waymo Must Halt Overnight Charging In Santa Monica, Judge Rules

SANTA MONICA, CA — A Los Angeles County Superior Court judge has ordered Waymo to stop operating two autonomous vehicle charging facilities in Santa Monica overnight, granting the city's request for a preliminary injunction in its public nuisance lawsuit over noise, lighting and traffic near residential neighborhoods.

Judge Bradley S. Phillips' July 27 order bars overnight operations at Waymo's facilities at 1222 and 1310 Broadway between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. while the case proceeds.

The city of Santa Monica said the court found the city had demonstrated a reasonable probability of prevailing on its public nuisance claim, concluding that overnight activity at the facilities interfered with nearby residents' comfortable enjoyment of their homes. The court also found that the balance of harms favored the city, noting that Waymo could continue providing overnight ride service using vehicles charged and serviced during daytime hours.

The dispute began after Waymo started using the Broadway properties in late 2024 as charging and servicing facilities for autonomous vehicles operating throughout the Los Angeles area. Residents living near the sites complained about overnight vehicle noise, lighting, traffic and other activity that they said disrupted their sleep and quality of life.

In November 2025, the Santa Monica City Council voted to declare the overnight operations a public nuisance and directed that activity at the facilities cease between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. Waymo responded by filing suit against the city on Dec. 17, arguing that permits issued for the sites authorized around-the-clock operations and that state law governing electric vehicle charging infrastructure limited the city's authority to impose the restrictions.

Santa Monica subsequently filed a cross-complaint seeking to have the facilities declared a public nuisance, building on its earlier effort to halt overnight operations at the Broadway charging sites.

Waymo said Wednesday it was disappointed by the ruling but would comply with the court's order while evaluating its options.

"We are disappointed in the judge's order, which may restrict our ability to provide visitors and residents with a safer, more accessible transportation option during some of the most dangerous hours of the day for road users," a Waymo spokesperson told Patch. "We will explore all available options to ensure we can serve the tens of thousands of Angelenos who depend on our service."

The company said it remains in compliance with local requirements and will continue operating from the Broadway facilities during permitted hours. It also said it had introduced measures intended to reduce impacts on neighbors, including reducing vehicle noise, turning off most vehicle lights while vehicles are charging overnight and supporting infrastructure improvements intended to reduce vehicle traffic through the adjacent alley.

Mayor Caroline Torosis welcomed the ruling, saying it provides relief for nearby residents while the case moves forward.

"Our residents' ability to sleep peacefully in their own homes is not negotiable," Torosis said in a statement. "This ruling affirms what our neighbors have been telling us for more than a year, and it delivers relief while the case moves forward."

The city said the lawsuit is not intended to prevent autonomous vehicles from operating in Santa Monica and remains committed to working with Waymo on operational and site improvements that could reduce impacts on surrounding neighborhoods.

Waymo's legal dispute with Santa Monica comes as the company continues expanding its driverless ride-hailing service into new markets, including San Diego.

Separately, federal safety regulators earlier this year opened an investigation after a Waymo vehicle struck a child near a Santa Monica elementary school.

Court records show a status conference is scheduled for Oct. 23 as the case continues through the pretrial process. The preliminary injunction will remain in effect while the city's public nuisance claims move toward trial.