US lawmaker asks NHTSA to probe Tesla FSD misuse after 43 sleeping-driver videos
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US Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi asked the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to assess whether Tesla adequately prevents dangerous misuse of its Full Self-Driving system. The request follows an NBC investigation that found at least 43 videos of Tesla drivers sleeping or distracted while using the system, including 17 posted in 2026. NHTSA is already investigating FSD in 3.2 million Tesla vehicles.
Key Facts
- NBC found at least 43 videos of Tesla drivers sleeping or distracted while using Full Self-Driving, with 17 posted in 2026.
- NBC identified 13 cases in California where drivers received citations for such misuse.
- NHTSA is already investigating FSD in 3.2 million Tesla vehicles.
- Tesla's owner's manual states that FSD is a Level 2 system requiring constant driver supervision.
Congressional Request
Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi asked the Department of Transportation and NHTSA to determine whether Tesla sufficiently prevents dangerous use of FSD. He requested data NHTSA has collected on the issue and its assessment of Tesla's existing safeguards against FSD misuse. Krishnamoorthi also asked whether the information indicates a broader safety defect that could require a vehicle recall.
Driver Workarounds
Tesla uses a cabin camera that tracks eye and head movements, plus steering wheel sensors, to monitor driver attention. Some drivers bypass these safeguards by wearing sunglasses or covering the camera with a doll's head or a photo of themselves. One California Tesla owner admitted to sleeping while FSD was active, saying the system had improved.
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