Two teenagers learned a harsh lesson about Waymo's strict policies after a joyride involving a toy gun and underage drinking. The autonomous vehicle's internal cameras captured the teens engaging in prohibited activities, including the discharge of what appeared to be a real firearm, though it was later identified as a Splat RBall gel bead shooter. Waymo's terms of service explicitly forbid drug and alcohol use, and require passengers under 18 to be accompanied by an adult. Throwing objects from the vehicle and possessing weapons are also banned.

Waymo monitors its vehicles, stating that in-car video may be reviewed under specific circumstances, and live video can be accessed by support staff in urgent situations. This incident highlights the challenges autonomous vehicle companies face in enforcing user behavior and maintaining safety. While the teens avoided a DUI, their actions led to police intervention and a clear demonstration of the consequences of violating Waymo's safety protocols.

Law enforcement pointed out that even toy firearms can incite fear and cause actual harm, especially when mistaken for real weapons. The incident serves as a cautionary tale for passengers, underscoring the importance of adhering to the rules of ride-sharing services, whether human-driven or autonomous, to prevent misunderstandings and potential danger.