--- title: "You Really Shouldn’t Smoke Weed While Using Your Tesla’s Autopilot on the Highway" description: "Autonomous cars aren't ready to safely drive your stoned self home." date: "2017-11-13" modified: "2019-07-03" authors: - name: "Kyle Cheromcha" job_title: "Editor-in-Chief" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/kyle-cheromcha" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/watch-this/16024/you-really-shouldnt-smoke-a-big-fat-joint-while-using-your-teslas-autopilot" categories: - "Car Tech" - "News" - "News by Brand" - "Self-Driving Tech" - "Tesla News" - "Watch This" tags: - "Autonomous Cars" - "Autopilot" - "Electric Vehicle" - "highway" - "marijuana" - "self-driving cars" - "Tesla" --- # You Really Shouldn’t Smoke Weed While Using Your Tesla’s Autopilot on the Highway ![]() *\www.thedrive.com\* Despite [what the marketing-speak from manufacturers]() might have you believe, there is currently no production car or truck on sale today with an autonomous setup that can safely drive a totally-blitzed human being home. And yes, despite its catchy name, that includes the [Autopilot system]() found on every Tesla Model S, Model 3, and Model X. So while it may be tempting, maybe wait until you get home to smoke that weed? Comedian Lil Duval sparked a miniature controversy over the weekend when he [posted an Instagram video]() of himself cruising along in his Tesla Model S at 75 mph in full relaxation mode—seatback reclined, music on blast, and what looks like a big joint in his hand. The caption is "What y’all fake caring about today," implying that he doesn't have to care about driving anymore, because his Tesla can do it for him. Funny, and wrong. https://www.instagram.com/p/BbXXWEtlZs1 You don't need a law degree to know that it's [illegal to smoke marijuana]() while operating a moving vehicle. And while you could make the case that the Tesla is operating itself in that moment on the highway, let's not forget that Tesla bills the Autopilot feature as "On-ramp to Off-ramp" on their website, meaning you still have to take back control [on surface streets.]() The automaker is very clear that it's a [**semi**-autonomous]() system that requires the driver to be alert, aware, [and generally paying attention,]() as a Tesla spokesperson [reminded the *International Business Times*]() when shown the video. That hasn't stopped hundreds of Tesla drivers [posting videos of themselves]() goofing off behind the wheel while the car drives itself, and it won't stop people from trusting the sometimes disingenuous promises of safety and capability from other manufacturers as we race into the future. So for now, whether a computer is at the controls or not, try to keep your head out of the clouds when you're behind the wheel. ## Author Overseeing an expert staff of writers and editors from his lair in Los Angeles, Kyle shapes The Drive’s singular approach to covering the automotive industry and car culture. He’s been with the site as a writer since 2017, taking over as editor in 2019. On a daily basis, Kyle is responsible for directing The Drive's editorial news and car review content strategies, setting special coverage priorities, managing complex reporting projects, and ensuring what you read on the page meets our high internal standards for quality and trustworthiness. He is also the executive producer of The Drive's YouTube channel, which was relaunched in February 2024 to great acclaim and has accumulated over 14M new views in its first year back on the scene. He hosts a biweekly series on the channel where he breaks down fascinating and complicated stories from the automotive world. ### Author social links [Bluesky]() [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]()