A congressman has formally demanded that federal regulators investigate videos circulating on social media that appear to show Tesla drivers sleeping behind the wheel while Autopilot or Full Self-Driving (FSD) is engaged. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, an Illinois Democrat, issued a press release on September 10, 2026, calling on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to explain what steps it is taking to address potential misuse of Tesla's driver-assistance systems.

What Do the Viral Videos Actually Show?

The videos spreading across social media depict drivers reclined or seemingly unconscious in moving Tesla vehicles. However, a critical gap exists between what the videos appear to show and what has been verified. The videos have not been independently authenticated by Tesla, NHTSA, or any other regulator, and their origin remains unclear. Equally important, there is no confirmed evidence that Autopilot or FSD was actually engaged at the time the footage was recorded, nor has anyone verified that the vehicles were in motion without driver input.

Krishnamoorthi's letter raises concerns about the safeguards in Tesla's systems, but the press release does not include technical verification linking the videos to active driver-assistance features. Multiple news outlets, including Reuters, Technology.org, autoevolution, and Interesting Engineering, have reported on the congressman's demand, but all rely on the same unverified social media video evidence.

Why Does This Matter for Tesla Owners?

The congressman's request highlights a fundamental tension in how Tesla's driver-assistance systems are designed and used. Tesla's documentation explicitly describes both Autopilot and Full Self-Driving as supervised driving aids that require an attentive driver behind the wheel at all times. The company stresses that drivers must monitor the environment and be ready to take over at any moment. Yet the viral videos suggest that some users may be treating these systems as if they were fully autonomous, capable of operating safely without active human supervision.

If the videos do represent genuine misuse of Tesla's systems, the incident raises questions about whether the current safeguards are sufficient to prevent dangerous behavior. Regulatory scrutiny of driver monitoring could lead to stricter enforcement of existing rules or future software updates that increase attention checks and penalties for inattention.

How to Stay Safe While Using Tesla's Driver-Assistance Systems

• Enable Driver Monitoring: Before engaging Autopilot or FSD, verify that the cabin camera is active and that your seating position allows it to monitor your eyes and head. In the car's Autopilot menu, confirm the "Driver Monitoring" setting is enabled, which uses the cabin camera to detect inattention and issue escalating alerts.
• Keep Hands on the Wheel: Tesla's owner's manual emphasizes keeping hands on the wheel and eyes on the road at all times. These systems are designed to assist, not to replace driver attention.
• Pull Over if Drowsy: If you feel drowsy or need to rest, pull over and park immediately. Do not rely on driver-assistance features to keep you safe while sleeping or inattentive.
• Know How to Disengage Quickly: To disengage Autopilot or FSD quickly, press the brake pedal or push the right stalk up once. Familiarize yourself with these controls before relying on the system.
• Review System Warnings: Periodically review the warnings and limitations displayed on the touchscreen when engaging the system to understand what Autopilot and FSD can and cannot do.

What Has NHTSA Done So Far?

As of the reporting date, no federal investigation has been announced based solely on these videos, and NHTSA has not publicly responded to the congressman's request. Tesla has also not issued a public response to the congressman's letter or the videos. The lack of official action reflects the unverified nature of the evidence; regulators typically require authenticated documentation and technical analysis before opening formal investigations.

NHTSA does have authority to investigate potential defects in vehicle safety systems and to issue recalls if a system poses an unreasonable risk. Tesla has faced NHTSA scrutiny over Autopilot and FSD in the past, though the specific history of those investigations is beyond the scope of current reporting.

What Remains Unconfirmed?

Several critical questions remain unanswered. The authenticity and context of the viral videos are unverified; they could be staged, edited, or involve vehicles not actually in motion. The congressman's inference that these videos demonstrate a systemic safety flaw in Tesla's systems is an opinion, not an established fact. Any suggestion that NHTSA will open a formal investigation or that Tesla will change its software as a result is speculative until such actions are announced by the respective parties.

The broader implication is clear: as driver-assistance systems become more capable and more widely used, the gap between what the technology can do and what users believe it can do becomes a critical safety issue. The congressman's demand for federal action reflects growing concern that without stronger safeguards or clearer enforcement, some drivers may continue to misuse these systems in ways that put themselves and others at risk.