A truck driver who bypassed a weigh station on Interstate 680 in Walnut Creek, California, was cited after California Highway Patrol (CHP) officers discovered he was watching Netflix on a tablet while driving an 80,000-pound semi-truck.
The driver was reportedly so distracted that he failed to notice a CHP officer trying to pull him over for approximately two miles, despite the patrol vehicle’s flashing lights and sirens.
According to an October 20, 2026, Facebook post by CHP’s Golden Gate Division, the incident began when a commercial vehicle enforcement officer spotted the truck bypassing the Walnut Creek weigh station along I-680.
The officer attempted to stop the truck, but the driver continued down the freeway without responding to the emergency signals.
After finally getting the driver’s attention and conducting a traffic stop, the officer discovered that the trucker had been watching a Netflix show on a tablet mounted to the dashboard.
The driver received two citations: one for bypassing the weigh station and another for violating California’s law restricting video screens visible to drivers.
California Law Prohibits Watching Videos While Driving
Under California Vehicle Code Section 27602(a), motorists are prohibited from operating vehicles with active entertainment video screens positioned in front of or visible to the driver while driving.
However, the law provides exceptions for certain equipment, including GPS navigation systems, mapping displays, vehicle information screens, and cameras used to assist with driving.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) also warns commercial drivers that distractions inside the cab can significantly increase the risk of crashes.
Following the incident, CHP condemned the driver’s actions and urged truck drivers to remain focused behind the wheel.
In its statement, the agency emphasized that distracted driving is preventable and dangerous, reminding commercial vehicle operators to keep their attention on the road.
CHP did not identify the truck driver or disclose the total fines associated with the citations.