Are Autonomous Vehicles Right for Nashville? Waymo Launches Self-Driving Cars in Tennessee

How Do Self-Driving Cars or Autonomous Vehicles Work?

Autonomous vehicles seem to be something out of futuristic sci-fi movies, but the future is here. Self driving cars use sensors that include cameras, radar, and LiDAR along with advanced software to “see” what is surrounding them. Before Waymo can launched a fully operational fleet of self-driving cars in Nashville, they tested the market to collect data and understand the Nashville market.

As of April 7, 2026, that test is complete, and Waymo has launched a full fleet onto Nashville roads. But was the test successful?

Was the Waymo Test in Nashville Successful?

In the last week of March 2025, Waymo began testing its autonomous vehicles on the streets of Nashville. After teaming up with Uber, Nashvillians were able to choose if they’d like a self-driving car instead of a driver when they schedule a ride on the ride share app. While there are a lot of great benefits to having all electric self-driving vehicles, people are noting some downsides. So, was the Waymo test successful?

While the Waymo test in Nashville was successful in delivering market data to the company, some Nashvillians are dealing with Waymo vehicles disobeying rules of the road and ending up in places they shouldn’t be.

For example, a Waymo vehicle was found in a restricted active construction site. Although no one was injured, this could cause major hazards. Additionally, a Waymo vehicle could not comply with the flow of traffic in the school pickup line at Glengarry Elementary.

What Happens if Waymo Breaks the Rules of the Road?

Waymo vehicles have been known to break the rules of the road. As the company works out bugs and trains autonomous vehicles in new cities, there can be issues with these cars breaking the rules of the road. When a Waymo breaks the rules of the road, they can be pulled over.

Can a Cop Pull Over a Waymo?

Yes. Waymo cars can sense when they’re getting pulled over. When they stop, the police officer connects with a support operator. While Waymo vehicles often follow the rules of the road, there are nuanced traffic infractions that can get them pulled over.

Some reasons Waymo vehicles might be pulled over include:

• Illegal turns
• Illegal U-turns
• Improper navigation in construction zones
• Driving in restricted areas
• Parking violations

Who is Liable When an Autonomous Vehicle Crashes?

In many cases of vehicular accidents, a person can be held at fault. In these cases, the negligent party is held at fault. However, when an autonomous vehicle is the cause or partially at fault for a wreck, the law can get a little muddy.

That’s where 2024 Tennessee Code Title 55 comes into play. The title states, “Liability for accidents involving an ADS-operated vehicle shall be determined in accordance with product liability law, common law, or other applicable federal or state law. Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to affect, alter, or amend any right, obligation, or liability under applicable product liability law, common law, federal law, or state law.” Additionally, the liability falls on the vehicle owner or lessee. This liability includes injury, death, and property damage from a driverless vehicle as well any traffic violations that the vehicle commits.

What to Do if You’ve Been in an Accident with a Driverless Vehicle

If you’ve been injured by a driverless vehicle in Nashville, and it wasn’t your fault, be sure to know what to do after a car accident in Nashville. Take pictures of the scene; file a police report; seek medical attention, if necessary; and contact a Nashville car accident lawyer.