Tesla Driver Filmed Asleep at Wheel Faces Police Inquiry

A 36-year-old man from Migdal HaEmek was questioned by police after a video surfaced online showing him apparently asleep while driving a Tesla. The footage, which went viral, depicts the driver with closed eyes and his head down as the vehicle continues to move.

Following the video's circulation, the driver was detained for questioning on suspicion of reckless driving and failing to maintain control of the steering wheel. He was later released after his interrogation.

The incident has reignited discussions about Tesla's advanced driver-assistance systems and the distinction between assistance features and fully autonomous driving.

Israeli police emphasized that despite the advanced technology, the driver bears full responsibility for operating the vehicle. "The law in Israel requires drivers to hold the steering wheel, control the vehicle, and be alert at all times," a police statement read. Authorities clarified that the car's assistance systems do not constitute autonomous driving and do not permit drivers to fall asleep or relinquish responsibility while on the road.