Self-driving cars are the kind of thing that only existed in science fiction when I was a kid. Kind of like flying cars, it seemed like something we were promised, but no one delivered. Unlike flying cars, though, I figured I didn't have to worry about how bad of a driver people are in two dimensions now being amplified in three.
But we did get self-driving cars, and for an introvert like me, vehicles like Waymo mean avoiding weird conversations with strangers driving the cars who are just trying to be personable.
However, the NSSF warns that if you carry a firearm, you might want to be a little careful about the self-driving company.
Driverless “robotaxis” and rideshare options are becoming increasingly common and popular for people as they travel the country or just run errands near home and prefer to catch a ride rather than drive and park themselves.
As such, lawful gun owners and those who regularly travel with or carry concealed firearms must be knowledgeable and aware of the policies and Terms of Service of these convenient businesses.
The new “robotaxi” service Waymo may come to mind. Waymo “robotaxis” operate without a driver and are now providing transportation services in at least 15 major cities across the country, including in Arizona, Texas, California, Georgia, Nevada, Florida, Tennessee and Colorado. More cities are slated to join the list in the coming months and years as well.
But considering the circumstances surrounding the company’s recent actions and their hard-to-find Terms of Service, law-abiding gun owners and those who choose to lawfully carry concealed firearms should hesitate before choosing Waymo for transportation options until further notice.
Terms Are Clear
Waymo explicitly states in its Terms of Service that no weapons or firearms are allowed in their vehicles. It’s surprisingly (unsurprisingly, maybe?) difficult to find any mention of “weapons” or “firearms” on their webpage, as if they are purposefully evading public scrutiny of their policy. It takes quite a bit of clicking around to find the specific “Waymo Rider Rules” that state the firearm ban. But under its Terms of Service, Waymo strictly prohibits firearms in their vehicles. It’s a “zero tolerance policy.”
“Our Services are solely intended to provide you and your permitted guests with transportation for personal, non-commercial purposes between locations within our active service areas,” Waymo states. “In connection with your use of the Services, you agree that you and your guests will not… Carry any weapons (or anything that resembles a weapon, e.g. toy gun) in our cars.”
And this is where there's an issue.
Keep in mind that Texas, Georgia, Florida, and Tennessee are all pretty pro-gun states, and Arizona was long considered the most pro-gun state in the country. Nevada isn't exactly an anti-gun state, either. Of the states where Waymo operates, only two are restrictive of gun rights.
So Waymo isn't just about keeping illegal weapons out of their vehicles or anything. They're explicitly opening in pro-gun markets, then banning guns inside of their vehicles, even if you're carrying in a completely lawful manner.
While there's no one to enforce the rules — these are self-driving cars, after all — if you need to use your gun in a self-defense scenario and Waymo is involved at all, you may find your account terminated for violating the terms of service.
Yes, this could be some kind of lawyer-speak, something meant to protect them from liability should someone catch a Waymo on their way to kill someone, but honestly, there are better ways to handle this, I'm sure.
Waymo needs to clear this up, and they need to clear it up now.
Until then, I'll do as I can under the law; I'll work to change the laws so I can do more; and I'll tell Waymo to pound sand until they recognize their policies are anti-freedom.
It's just that simple.
