I have already left a comment on this topic, but this distraction has become, over time, such a distraction and annoyance that I feel the need to comment again.

Ignoring the ads, Waze is my favorite navigation app, by far. But I cannot ignore the ads, because they pop up at the most inopportune time, which is pretty much always if you are driving, which is literally the only time I use Waze.

If someone is driving, they probably already have destination, and are extremely unlikely to see an ad and think to themselves, "Gee, I think I'm going to change my current plans to include a stop at <insert fast-food restaurant here> then continue on to my previous plans." Keeping in mind that if they are thinking this stuff they are not thinking as effectively about driving, and being undistracted when driving is rather important.

Seriously, I am notifying you (Waze) that the lesser of two evils is now using a navigation app that does not throw ads in my face. I am going to stop using Waze, which makes me very sad.

By the way, the ads are one thing, but the pop-ups that ask me if I've seen any of the ads listed is, well, unconscionable. If you want me to tell you which ads I have seen, you should be paying me. Besides, as a software developer, I'm quite sure you already know which ads have annoyed the crap out of me since it is Waze that put them there.

If your goal is to annoy the sh*t out of your users you have succeeded. Please make a paid version.

I have read a lot of these comments and I can summarize three main points:
1.) We are willing to pay for this awesome app (but not willing to have KFC shoved in our faces while driving)
2.) We are consciously NOT patronizing the businesses advertising in this annoying way (do I hear the word "boycott" anywhere?)
3.) This is a DANGEROUS, deliberate distraction targeting people known to be driving (yes, even sitting at a red light or waiting in traffic for an opening to make a left turn is DRIVING). I can't imagine there isn't some clever---or dim---ambulance chaser out there who will do the math: [Liability + Deep Pockets = Big Contingency Fee]. All you need is some big tragedy connected with the timing of a KFC advertisement and it'll be cha-CHING for the lawyers. Even worse, it might actually be the TRUE CAUSE of the tragedy...why take such a chance?

I believe these three sentiments, repeated over and over in the comments and THOUSANDS of votes posted here, should be compelling enough for WAZE to consider making an opt-in, paid, advertisement-free version.

I've always wondered why this wasn't an option either.

Without a doubt. I'd happily pay for an ad free version. It's distracting.

Agree with everyone else. Ads are clutter when I'm driving. Unsafe. These ads are inappropriate for me. No more Waze for me. Junk clutter.

pro paid ad free

Waze Ads do not show up when you drive, only when your speed is 0 (eg sitting in traffic or at a traffic light).

I really don't want to sww that crap on my screen.

Seeing the tiny icons on the map for gas stations or fast food isn't terribly distracting, but the banners that take up half the screen, ESPECIALLY when I am stopped and trying to see where I'm going next, is crazy-making. I'd definitely Go Pro if it got rid of ads.

I would really like to see an in-app purchase that would allow for the removal of ads when the car stops moving for more than a few seconds. It can be dangerous, it can be distracting, and sometimes I'm using that stop to check the map, not dismiss a special at a sandwich shop nearby.

I will pay $2-$5 per month for an ad free version. Please consider.

I appreciate that you've given careful consideration to your advertising policy. However, I really would appreciate an opportunity to opt out of advertising the paid version.

I too will never frequent an establishment that sends ads to Waze. They are a dangerous distraction. I'd pay a lot for an ad free version.

Agree. I will purposely NOT visit a location that has ADS on my WAZE. It's frustrating and distracting

getting commercials on waze is a pain. provide a version of waze that has no commercials. a $5 charge would be fine. better would be a free version for uber and lyft drivers.

I am another that will AVOID the businesses that have pop up ads jsut for the principle of the matter.

I agree that it is further distracting.
Waze will only pop the ad up when you are stopped, most likely at a red light, most likely trying to check your Waze gps directions to make sure you are prepared for the next turn.

yeah your ads are not distracting or obtrusive at all. I cannot close them fast enough.

Phillips 66, KFC Taco Bell... I will NEVER respond to a Waze pop up ad by spontaneously choosing your restaurant based on a Waze ad. Never, I promise you that.

I will never ever ever go to an advertised location. In fact, I'd avoid going there just because it popped up on my Waze. Even worse are the messages asking me if I've seen an Ad, which I will never answer. I understand that Ad revenue is important to this app, so please please please let us pay to turn this shite off. I hate ads, of all kinds. If I want to go to a restaurant, I am perfectly capable of looking places up myself, and am not about to suddenly decide to go to an advertised location because it annoyed me in Waze.

First time driving in San Francisco. Had my iPhone horizontal nice steering column and an ad came up- again. I tried to get rid of it. Thought I had- but it took me off my route to KFC. I'm too busy driving to see that I'm being driven - not on a good short cut- but as a response to trying to get an ad out of my way so I can navigate! When horizontal, the ads take up 2/3 of the map all but blocking out Waze. Please change this or give us ad free version. This is dangerous. Seriously dangerous. Please email me for my screen shot.

It's also a safety issue, causing unneeded driver distraction.

Same concern. Waze you are hereby notified of this dangerous condition. Failure to stop these ads will place you in vicarious liability in all future traffic accidents related to this horrible and dangerous feature. Conduct yourself accordingly.