Tesla Driver Cited for Sleeping While Autopilot Engaged on California Highway
California Highway Patrol warns drivers that advanced driver-assistance systems do not eliminate the need for attentiveness.
A Tesla driver was cited by the California Highway Patrol (CHP) for unsafe speed after being observed asleep behind the wheel while the vehicle's self-driving feature was engaged. The incident occurred on a California highway as the Tesla traveled at approximately 60 mph.
A video shared by CHP Solano showed the driver slumped over in the driver's seat, with sunglasses obscuring their eyes, while the car's automatic driving system was active. The CHP Solano unit posted the video on Instagram with a caption emphasizing that "FSD Means Full Self-Driving - not 'Full Drive Snooze.'"
The driver was pulled over and issued a citation. The CHP used the incident to remind drivers that features like Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) are considered Level 2 driver assistance tools, which legally require the driver to remain attentive and in control. "Features like Tesla's FSD are Level 2 driver assistance tools. By law, they assist your driving—they do not replace you," the agency stated.
The CHP stressed that sleeping while driving, even with advanced driver-assistance systems engaged, violates California traffic safety laws. "You are still the legal driver, and taking a nap while in motion violates California traffic safety laws. Power naps belong in a parking spot, not in the driver's seat. Drive awake, stay alert and arrive alive," the agency wrote.
This incident occurs amidst ongoing scrutiny and legal discussions surrounding Tesla's driver-assistance technology. In February 2026, Tesla faced a lawsuit from the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) over its marketing of 'autopilot' and 'Full Self-Driving' features. The DMV had alleged that Tesla misled consumers by suggesting the vehicles could operate autonomously, leading to a potential suspension of Tesla's dealer and manufacturer licenses.
Tesla agreed to remove the term 'autopilot' from its advertising to avoid suspension but subsequently sued the California DMV to challenge the ruling. The company now uses the term 'Full Self-Driving (Supervised)' to describe the feature.
In July 2026, Tesla reported 236 crashes to federal regulators involving vehicles equipped with its driver-assistance systems. According to reports, four of these crashes were fatal and occurred while Full Self-Driving was engaged. Half of these fatal incidents took place in California.