Tesla Driver Cited After Trooper Finds Her Asleep at 78 MPH on I-5

KENT, Wash. — A Washington State Patrol trooper cited a Tesla driver after finding her asleep behind the wheel while the vehicle traveled 78 mph on Interstate 5, according to Trooper Rick Johnson.

This Crash Report is sponsored by CrashLaw.NET, a legal resource for crash victims in Whatcom County.

Johnson said the Tesla passed a patrol vehicle at 78 mph before the trooper realized the female driver appeared to be asleep.

The scary thing is that the trooper noticed the driver was asleep!! Thankfully he was able to get the vehicle stopped.

— Trooper Rick Johnson, WSP, via X

The driver received a citation for second-degree negligent driving. However, the incident has renewed concerns about drivers relying too heavily on automated driving technology.

Washington Law Still Requires an Alert Driver

Although Tesla vehicles offer driver-assistance features such as Autopilot, Washington law requires a licensed human operator to remain alert and ready to take control at all times.

State law considers the person behind the wheel to be the driver, even when automated systems are active. As a result, motorists cannot legally sleep, leave the driver’s seat or stop monitoring traffic while the vehicle is moving.

Drivers must also maintain a valid license, carry insurance and be prepared to immediately take control if the technology fails.

Driverless Cars Remain Limited in Washington

Washington allows fully driverless vehicles only through approved testing programs that meet strict state requirements.

For everyday motorists, an occupied vehicle using self-driving technology still requires an attentive human operator. Consequently, any crash, traffic violation or citation remains the responsibility of the person behind the wheel.

The incident serves as a reminder that advanced driving systems can assist drivers, but they do not replace them.

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