B.C. driver ticketed after appearing asleep at wheel of Tesla on Highway 1

Police in Metro Vancouver say a driver has been ticketed after appearing to be asleep behind the wheel of a Tesla travelling along Highway 1 during morning rush hour in rainy conditions.

According to a BC Highway Patrol release, the incident occurred last Tuesday in Coquitlam when an officer pulled alongside the vehicle and observed the driver with her eyes closed and arms crossed while the car was in motion on a wet and slippery roadway.

Cpl. Michael McLaughlin said the driver told police she had “zoned out” but claimed she remained alert with her hands on the steering wheel. However, McLaughlin said video from the officer’s in-car camera did not support that account.

Police issued the driver tickets for speeding and driving without due care and attention. Authorities are reminding motorists that they must remain fully awake, alert and in control of their vehicles at all times, regardless of driver-assistance features.

McLaughlin said that while some electric vehicles are equipped with self-driving capabilities, those systems are not legally permitted for use on public roads in British Columbia.