September 21, 2026, 5:31 am | Read time: 2 minutes
Those using Android Auto with Google Maps might soon benefit from a small but practical update. Google is apparently working on permanently displaying important driving data. This includes current speed, the applicable speed limit, and sometimes even traffic lights and stop signs. The special feature: The information will remain visible even when no active navigation is running.
Previously only with active navigation target
Currently, Google Maps displays much of this information in Android Auto only when users have entered a destination and started navigation. However, those driving a familiar route and opting out of route guidance often have to do without the display of speed and speed limits.
In addition to the digital speedometer and speed limit display, other traffic information will be shown without active navigation. This includes traffic lights and stop signs. The feature is already appearing for some users but is not yet widely available.
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Feature still being rolled out
The feature is not entirely new. Some users have been reporting for months that Google Maps in Android Auto can display speed and speed limits. However, availability varied depending on the user and region.
The possibility that the feature could now be available to all users was confirmed in a Reddit post. There, a user wondered about the sudden disappearance of these speed displays and other traffic data. Google employee Mishaal Rahman, who is responsible for community work around Android, responded. He explained that Google is already aware of the issue and is working on a solution.
At the same time, Rahman confirmed that the new Maps feature is still in the rollout phase: “I spoke with a member of the Android Auto product team and learned that the ability to display speedometer, speed limit, as well as traffic lights and stop signs without a set destination is still being gradually introduced. Therefore, this feature is not yet available to all users.”
Exact availability unclear
Google has not yet revealed when exactly the update will be available for all Android Auto users.
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The update is distributed directly through Google Maps. No additional settings or manual updates are required. Once the feature is enabled for the respective account, it will automatically appear in Android Auto.