Closing your eyes behind the wheel while the car is still moving. For many, that image remains the quintessential no-go on the road. Yet an American inquiry has unearthed at least 43 videos. They show Tesla owners with Full Self-Driving enabled appearing to sleep or glance away as the car proceeds. At the same time, 13 motorists were ticketed in California for this kind of driving deemed dangerous.
Facing these images, Illinois Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi took up the pen. He sent a letter to the Department of Transportation and to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). He asks federal authorities whether Tesla is doing enough to curb these behaviors. He questions the real effectiveness of the onboard surveillance systems. The representative also wants to know whether data collected by the regulator point to a broader safety defect. A finding like that could lead to a massive recall of vehicles. According to his letter, federal agencies must respond by September 30, 2026—a timeline that underscores how sensitive the Autopilot and Full Self-Driving files have become in Washington.
43 videos of sleeping Tesla drivers prompt a Washington reaction
The probe cited by the lawmaker identified at least 43 sequences. Among them, 17 were uploaded in 2026. They show owners driving with Full Self-Driving activated while seeming to sleep or to be clearly distracted. In 13 other cases, drivers were sanctioned in California for similar behavior, even without video evidence. Some directly know they are breaking the law. A California-based Tesla owner agreed to testify anonymously, knowing risks of legal action. He admits that he does occasionally fall asleep while the FSD system pilots the car. “As it got better, the taboo fell,” he told NBC.
In the public letter released this Thursday, Krishnamoorthi lays out several specific questions. He asks the agencies to detail the data already collected on the use of Autopilot and FSD. He wants to know how they assess the effectiveness of the safeguards Tesla has put in place to prevent abuses. He mentions dozing off or using a screen at the wheel. The lawmaker also asks whether these elements allow drawing a conclusion about a generalized safety defect that would require a recall. The NHTSA is already conducting a separate investigation into some 3.2 million Tesla vehicles equipped with advanced driving-assistance features. With this new letter, the debate shifts from whether the driver is legally responsible to whether the device Tesla designed to monitor the driver can be deemed adequate or not.
Autopilot, FSD and driver monitoring at the heart of criticism
Behind these online videos lies an initial misunderstanding. Many drivers don’t truly grasp what Autopilot and Full Self-Driving offer. Despite their names, these features are Level 2 driving assists, not autonomous vehicles. The driver must remain attentive at all times and retain control of the car. Tesla makes this crystal clear in its manuals, noting that the user bears responsibility in the event of a problem. Yet as these aids improve, some owners start to loosen their guard. They end up thinking the car can handle itself while they relax—perhaps even close their eyes.
To curb these driftings, the automaker has installed several safeguards. An interior-facing camera tracks eye and head movements. Wheel sensors detect whether the driver is applying torque. The system then issues periodic reminders to take active control—the infamous “nag.” The frequent reminder can feel irritating to some. But again, some customers have found ways to circumvent these checks. Wearing sunglasses to mask gaze, placing a doll’s head or a photo in front of the camera. There are also other methods that do not rely on the image. A range of techniques that allow people to fool the systems, violating both the terms of use and traffic laws. Tesla must also juggle another constraint, a financial one. The FSD pack costs $99 per month, roughly €90. It’s linked to a compensation package worth around $1 trillion for the company’s chief executive. Making the experience smooth and unobtrusive becomes a major challenge for the brand. At the same time, federal authorities are wondering whether the manufacturer should instead tighten driver monitoring even more.
