Ottawa woman charged for sleeping in self-driving Tesla on Highway 417

An Ottawa woman was charged with careless driving after police found her asleep in her self-driving Tesla on Highway 417 during Tuesday morning rush hour. Ontario Provincial Police stopped the vehicle and issued the charge. The officer observed the driver with eyes closed and hands off the wheel, pulling close to capture body camera evidence, which may have triggered a vehicle alert. Police say this is the first such charge for the Ottawa detachment, though similar incidents have occurred in British Columbia. Authorities emphasize that drivers remain legally responsible for vehicle control even with autonomous features, requiring alertness to handle malfunctions or emergencies. Ontario guidelines state drivers must keep eyes on the road and hands on the wheel, as assistance systems do not absolve responsibility for incidents.