When a user is routed through an unnamed segment, Waze will automatically use the name of the next named segment on the route (AKA Road name inheritance). This is useful for getting instructions on ramps and turn lanes. This, however, can be confusing in other areas, like large parking lots.
For details on how unnamed segments affect whether an instruction prompt will be given, please see the Best continuation article.
For details on how to change what instruction prompt will be given at a fork, please see the Wayfinder article.
Road name inheritance
Conditions for application
When Waze gives navigation instructions to "turn", "exit", or "keep" onto an unnamed segment, it will look for a name it can use. If there is a named segment
REDIRECT Template:Underline, it will use (inherit) that name in the instruction. Named segments connected to the unnamed segment which are not part of your provided route, are not relevant.
The inherited name is only used in the displayed and spoken instruction prompts, it does not affect the actual name of the segment.
The combined length of the consecutive unnamed segments is shorter than 400 meters (1,312 feet),
AND
There are 3 or less unnamed segments in a row.
If the consecutive unnamed segments measured together are longer than 400 m (1,312 ft), or if there are 4 or more unnamed segments in a row, Waze will NOT show or speak a name in the instructions.
Side effects
Roads which really don't have a name, may give confusing instructions if they meet the above conditions. These roads may need to be mapped carefully in WME to avoid Waze giving confusing instructions to drivers to turn onto them using a name from further along their route. Some examples of this behavior are provided below. Discuss these cases with senior editors when they arise, to decide the best way to map them.
Examples
Exit ramp
If a freeway exit ramp leads to a fork in the road, you can leave the name off of the exit ramp. Only name the segments which go to a specific destination. Waze will use the name of the next named segment after the unnamed exit ramp. This is only useful if the sign for the exit is the same as the sign for the next named segment.
Connecting street between the lanes of a divided highway
If routing from segment A (US-202 N) over the unnamed segment, Waze will use (inherit) the name of the next segment B in the instruction: "Go left to Beta Blvd" If routing from segment C (US-202 S) over the unnamed segment, Waze will use (inherit) the name of the next segment D in the instruction "Go left to Delaney Dr".
Parking lot with unnamed roads
If the route leads from unnamed parking lot roads to a named road outside the parking lot, Waze might use the road name in instructions for turns INSIDE the parking. This is confusing for drivers. It is a drawback of the feature. For example, coming from segment A, if the next turn is a left to segment 1, and than right to segment 2 (Main Street), Waze will give the instruction to turn left at segment 1 onto Main Street, while still in the middle of the parking lot road...
