Waymo Santa Monica charging faces overnight court restriction
A judge temporarily barred overnight operations at two Waymo charging sites as Santa Monica’s nuisance case continues.
By Hana Yoshida · Markets Reporter
2 min read
Waymo Santa Monica charging operations at two Broadway facilities must stop overnight under a preliminary injunction granted by Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Bradley S. Phillips. The order gives the city temporary relief in its public-nuisance case, while leaving the broader dispute unresolved.
The restriction applies from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. at the two sites, which reports identify as facilities at 1222 Broadway and 1310 Broadway. It is limited to those charging locations and hours; it is not a citywide prohibition on Waymo, according to Ars Technica and Los Angeles magazine.
What did the court order Waymo to do in Santa Monica?
Judge Phillips granted Santa Monica’s request for a preliminary injunction, meaning a temporary court order issued while a lawsuit proceeds. Waymo cannot operate the two Broadway charging lots overnight under the order, Ars Technica reported.
The Los Angeles Times reported that the judge concluded the city was likely to prevail at this stage and rejected Waymo’s arguments that city permits allowed the operations to continue. The judge also rejected the company’s position that sound could not be a nuisance unless it exceeded decibel levels set by specific noise rules, the Times reported.
Why did Santa Monica seek the restriction?
City officials and nearby residents have alleged that activity at the facilities produced persistent vehicle beeps and humming, light and traffic congestion in streets and alleys. Residents told the Los Angeles Times that the operations disrupted sleep, work and their ability to keep windows open.
Waymo began using the facilities in January 2025, according to Ars Technica. The locations had operated around the clock, and reports said they served 56 Waymo vehicles for charging, cleaning and contractor servicing.
After complaints, Santa Monica ordered Waymo to halt overnight activity in November 2025. The disagreement then became competing lawsuits between the city and the autonomous-taxi company, according to Ars Technica and Planetizen.
Is the case over?
No. The injunction is preliminary rather than a final ruling on the city’s public-nuisance claims. Ars Technica reported that Waymo has appealed the order, and the underlying litigation remains pending.
Waymo said it was disappointed, according to the Los Angeles Times. The company said the restriction could limit its ability to provide what it described as a safer, more accessible transportation option during hours it considers especially dangerous for road users.
This story draws on original reporting from Ars Technica.