Orange County, California — A rideshare trip in Orange County has sparked renewed concerns about vehicle automation and driver responsibility after an Uber passenger captured video showing what appeared to be a sleeping Tesla driver traveling on the busy 405 Freeway.
The footage, which was reportedly recorded on March 24 at around 7:30 p.m., shows the driver sitting motionless behind the wheel as the vehicle continued down the freeway toward Costa Mesa. The incident has raised questions about driver attentiveness and the growing use of advanced driver-assistance technology.
Passenger Records Driver Appearing Unresponsive
According to the Uber customer, the driver appeared to be asleep during the trip. In the video, the driver, dressed in a coat and tie, can be seen resting his head against the headrest while remaining completely still.
The passenger moved his cellphone closer to the driver while recording, yet the driver showed no visible reaction. Near the end of the footage, one of the driver’s hands appeared to be resting near his waist rather than on the steering wheel.
The customer said the situation left him concerned for his safety as the Tesla continued traveling on the freeway.
Complaint Filed With Uber and Authorities
Following the ride, the passenger said he submitted a complaint to Uber regarding the incident. However, he was reportedly informed that he would not be told whether disciplinary action or any other measures were taken against the driver.
The customer also contacted the Orange County Sheriff’s Department and attempted to provide the recorded footage. According to his account, authorities declined to accept the video and indicated that deputies would have needed to personally witness the driver sleeping in order to pursue the matter.
The claims have drawn attention online as discussions continue about how incidents involving semi-autonomous vehicles should be investigated.
Similar Tesla Incidents Continue to Surface
This is not the first time drivers in Teslas have been recorded appearing asleep behind the wheel.
Several similar incidents have emerged across California in recent years. More recently, witnesses recorded footage of another Tesla driver who appeared to be napping while traveling southbound on Interstate 5 near Camp Pendleton.
In 2023, separate videos showed drivers who also appeared to be asleep while operating Teslas in Los Angeles and Temecula. Another incident recorded in the East Bay area involved a Tesla Model 3 driver who appeared unresponsive while traveling on Highway 4.
The repeated appearance of such videos has fueled debate about how much trust drivers place in automated driving technologies.
Tesla’s Rules Require Drivers to Stay Alert
Despite advances in vehicle automation, Tesla’s guidelines make it clear that drivers using Full Self-Driving technology must remain attentive at all times. Drivers are expected to keep their focus on the road and be prepared to immediately take control of the vehicle whenever necessary.
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California law enforcement officials have consistently emphasized the same message. In previous incidents, the California Highway Patrol has stated that anyone operating a moving vehicle must remain awake, conscious and sober regardless of the technology being used.
Tesla Remains California’s Best-Selling EV Brand
While the company has faced scrutiny over its driver-assistance systems and safety concerns, Tesla continues to dominate California’s electric vehicle market.
The automaker remained the state’s top-selling vehicle brand for the fourth consecutive year, with the Model Y significantly outselling every other new vehicle sold in California during 2025.
As advanced driving technology becomes more common, incidents like this continue to fuel discussion about the balance between convenience, automation and driver responsibility.
What do you think about drivers relying on advanced vehicle technology while on the road? Should stricter enforcement be introduced for incidents like this? Share your thoughts in the comments and join the conversation respectfully.
