Tesla driver cited for sleeping at wheel using Full Self-Driving on California highway
A Tesla driver was cited by California Highway Patrol on September 2 after being found apparently asleep at the wheel while using Full Self-Driving mode on a highway at 60 mph. The driver was charged with unsafe speed, as no specific law prohibits sleeping while driving in California. The incident highlights ongoing concerns about driver overreliance on automation features.
What happened
A Tesla driver was pulled over on Interstate 80 in Solano County on September 2 while traveling at 60 mph with the vehicle's Full Self-Driving mode engaged. The California Highway Patrol officer observed the driver wearing dark sunglasses and slumped in the seat, apparently asleep at the wheel.
The driver was cited for unsafe speed, as California's vehicle code contains no specific law against sleeping at the wheel. CHP emphasized that Full Self-Driving is a Level 2 driver assistance tool designed to assist rather than replace drivers, and that drivers remain responsible for vehicle operation.
Reported impact
A vehicle traveling at 60 mph on a highway with an inattentive driver created a potential safety hazard on the roadway.
Index analysis
The incident reflects broader concerns about driver overreliance on automation features. CHP noted this was not an isolated case, with multiple other incidents of Tesla drivers sleeping or being inattentive while using self-driving features reported in recent months.
Governance controls
Tesla's Full Self-Driving documentation states that drivers are expected to remain attentive and ready to take control. CHP reinforced that regardless of a vehicle's autonomous capabilities, drivers remain legally responsible for safe operation under California's basic speed law.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.