In this guide
Short answer: Waymo doesn't allow pets (service animals are welcome), bans smoking, vaping, alcohol and drugs, and allows up to four riders. Eating isn't banned, but messes cost $50 if you report them during the ride and $100 if you don't. Bags go in the trunk or cabin. There is no tipping.
Waymo publishes its "Rider Rules" in its help center. They are short, but a few of them catch first-time riders out. Here they are in plain English, with Tesla Robotaxi's rules for comparison. If you haven't ridden yet, start with how to ride Waymo.
Waymo's rules at a glance
| Question | Waymo's rule |
|---|---|
| Pets | Not allowed ("leave pets at home", for riders with allergies) |
| Service animals | Always welcome |
| Food and drinks | Not banned; cleaning fees apply for messes |
| Alcohol and drugs | Not allowed in the car, even where legal locally |
| Smoking and vaping | Not allowed; $100 fee for a first violation |
| Riders | Up to 4; driver's seat off-limits |
| Under 18 | Only as guests of an adult, or with a teen account in Phoenix and Nashville |
| Children under 8 | Own car seat or booster, in the back |
| Luggage | Trunk or cabin; nothing sticking out of the car |
| Weapons | Not allowed, of any kind |
| Seat belts | Required for the whole ride |
| Tipping | Not possible; there is no driver |
Pets and service animals
Waymo asks riders to leave pets at home because some passengers have allergies. This applies to small dogs in carriers too. Service animals are always allowed. Tesla Robotaxi has the same approach: no pets, service animals allowed for riders with disabilities. If you need to travel with a pet, a regular Uber Pet or Lyft ride is the option.
Cleaning fees: what a mess costs
- $50 if you report a mess yourself during the ride.
- $100 for a first unreported mess.
- Up to the full cleaning cost for repeat violations.
- $100 for a first smoking or vaping violation, more after that, and your account can be suspended.
- Damage to the car is charged at Waymo's discretion, based on repair costs.
Spilled a coffee? Report it in the app before you get out. It is the cheapest option, and the cameras that check the cabin after each ride will find it anyway.
Food and drink
Waymo's rules don't forbid eating, so a sealed drink or a snack is fine. Strong-smelling or messy food is a risk, because of the cleaning fees above and because the next rider has to sit there. Alcohol is banned in the car, open or not being consumed, even in cities where drinking in public is legal.
Luggage and big items
Bags go in the trunk or the cabin, and large items must be secured inside: nothing can stick out of a window or the hatch. A Jaguar I-PACE fits two large suitcases plus carry-ons comfortably; four riders with four big suitcases will not fit. For airport trips see Waymo at the airport.
Riders, guests and booking for others
You can bring up to three guests, but you must ride with them: Waymo won't let you send a car for someone else. Guests under 18 need a parent's or guardian's consent. Teens with their own teen account can bring up to three guests aged 13 or older. Full details in can kids and teens ride Waymo?
Tipping
There's no driver, and the Waymo app has no tip option. The price shown when you book is what you pay, plus any fees for cleaning, damage or changes to the trip.
Accessibility
- The app works with screen readers, and the car can honk or play a melody to help you find it.
- Trip announcements are also shown as text on the rear screen for deaf and hard-of-hearing riders.
- Wheelchair-accessible vehicles (driven by a person) can be requested in San Francisco and Los Angeles in the app, and in Phoenix through Support.
Lost items
Report a lost item from the app or Waymo's help center as soon as you notice. For comparison, Tesla keeps found items for 10 days and doesn't reimburse lost or damaged items.
Frequently asked questions
Can you bring a dog in a Waymo?
No. Waymo asks riders to leave pets at home because some passengers have allergies. Service animals are always welcome.
Can you eat in a Waymo?
Waymo's rider rules don't ban eating, but any mess costs you: $50 if you report it during the ride and $100 for a first unreported mess, rising to the full cleaning cost for repeat violations. Drinking alcohol is banned.
Do you tip a Waymo?
No. There is no driver and no tip option in the Waymo app.
How many people can ride in a Waymo?
Up to four riders, in any seat except the driver's seat. Children count as riders, and kids under 8 need a car seat or booster in the back.
Can I smoke or vape in a Waymo?
No. A first smoking or vaping violation can cost a $100 cleaning fee, later ones up to the full cleaning cost, and your account can be affected.
Update log
- Guide published from Waymo's One Rider Rules and Tesla's Robotaxi support page.
Sources and official texts