A woman from Maple Ridge has received a ticket for allegedly sleeping while driving her Tesla, BC Highway Patrol (BCHP) says.

Video taken by two witnesses on Aug. 11 shows the vehicle travelling on Highway 1 near Mountain Highway in North Vancouver. The driver appears to be asleep behind the wheel.

A woman from Maple Ridge has received a ticket for allegedly sleeping while driving her Tesla, BC Highway Patrol (BCHP) says. (BCHP Handout Video)

“Both witnesses were in the same vehicle, and the passenger recorded video from the passenger seat,” BCHP said.

“Based on the description provided by the witnesses, and the video evidence, BC Highway Patrol tracked down the registered owner of the Tesla at her home in Maple Ridge.”

Police say the witnesses who provided video are willing to testify in court if necessary.

BCHP says the 45-year-old owner of the Tesla has been issued a ticket for driving without due care and attention.

This is by no means a new issue. In March, police ticketed another woman, who they say “appeared to be literally asleep at the wheel” on Highway 1 in Coquitlam.

In July, another driver was seen apparently sleeping at the wheel of a self-driving car.

“Police will not debate the merits of self-driving technology with sleeping drivers,” said Sgt. Michael McLaughlin.

“It’s illegal in B.C., and we’re here to enforce the law and keep roads safe.”

McLaughlin says driver inattention is a big factor in serious and deadly collisions.

“You must be completely focused and alert when you’re behind the wheel of any motor vehicle in B.C.”