Tesla Cybertruck driver filmed apparently asleep on Bay Area highway using self-driving mode
Video footage captured a Tesla Cybertruck driver reportedly asleep behind the wheel on a California highway while the vehicle operated in self-driving mode. The California Highway Patrol warned that sleeping while driving violates state law and is unsafe, regardless of autonomous features, as drivers must remain attentive to take control at any time.
What happened
Video footage sent to KRON4 on May 16, 2026 showed a Tesla Cybertruck driver on Highway 101 in Marin County apparently asleep behind the wheel while the vehicle operated in self-driving mode around 4 p.m. on a Saturday. The video showed the driver with eyes closed and head leaned back without noticeable movements.
Reported impact
The California Highway Patrol warned that sleeping behind the wheel violates state law regardless of autonomous or autopilot features, and that such conduct is unsafe and can be prosecuted under the California Vehicle Code for inattention or unsafe operation, potentially resulting in fines, demerit points and license suspension.
Index analysis
Tesla's Full Self-Driving mode is a Level 2 autonomous vehicle designed to assist rather than substitute for driver control, and Tesla's guidelines state drivers must remain attentive and ready to take control at all times. The incident is part of a pattern of viral videos showing Tesla drivers apparently nodding off on Bay Area roads.
Governance controls
Tesla's operating guidelines require drivers to remain fully attentive and ready to take over at any moment. The California Highway Patrol emphasized that drivers remain responsible for their vehicle regardless of any special autonomous features.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.