The Off-road / Not maintained (formerly Dirt Road / 4x4 and Unpaved) segment type had the unique property that Waze users could ask not to be routed over it. That function has now shifted to the Unpaved attribute check box (see above).

Off-road / Not maintained roads are typically deeply rutted with thick mud, irregularly shaped rocks, fallen trees, branches, and deep streams, creeks, or river crossings. A typical car would bottom out, get stuck, or even break an axle trying to traverse these types of road segments. The vast majority of vehicles would not be traveling down these roads. This segment type should strictly be used by a type of hard terrain/special vehicle.

Any road for which high-clearance vehicles are recommended or required should be assigned the Off-road / Not maintained type, if it is mapped at all, regardless of its maintenance status.

Currently, Waze does not plan to support a 4X4 vehicle type in the client app, but the developers have left this option for editors to map these paths, so they can be displayed on the map. They have an extremely high penalty associated with them and will not be suggested in any for any through routes in almost all normal circumstances.

[CRITICAL WARNING MBOX] Use extreme caution when mapping through roads with the Off-road / Not maintained road type! In event of an emergency, such as wildfire or floods, Waze responders may mark primary through roads in an area as closed on behalf of public safety. However, if Off-road / Not maintained roads appear to provide alternate through routes, and responders miss closing them, Waze may suggest those roads instead, regardless of penalty. Waze may also suggest Off-road / Not maintained through roads if they appear to provide alternate means of accessing private installations or fee-only parks.

As of October 2018, do not map through roads using the Off-road / Not maintained type unless you make certain that the roads (1) are passable, if only barely, by ordinary passenger vehicles or (2) would not be routed as alternate routes in emergencies or into restricted areas.[END OF CRITICAL WARNING MBOX]

Check your state page for details on whether your state follows unique guidelines for hard terrain/special vehicle roads, or contact your Regional Coordinator for further guidance.