A man driving a Tesla in the San Francisco Bay Area was caught by authorities with a blood alcohol content level twice the legal limit.

The man, authorities say, tried to get out of a DUI by claiming that his Tesla was on autopilot.

He was driving on the Bay Bridge connecting San Francisco and Oakland when his vehicle apparently came to a stop around 5.30pm on Thursday, SFGATE reports.

An unidentified man is pictured discussing his DUI write-up with San Francisco's California Highway Patrol

The man was driving a Tesla (roadster model pictured left) across the Bay Bridge (right) on Thursday when authorities found him passed out behind the wheel

Authorities say they found the man, who has not been identified, passed out behind the wheel of the car.

While Tesla cars do offer an autopilot option, the mode still requires drivers to keep their hands on the wheel and stay alert.

Otherwise, sensors in the vehicle will trigger it to pull over and stop.

The 2017 Tesla Model S advises drivers to remain 'in control of the vehicle at all times,' including autopilot mode.

A Tesla spokesperson told SFGATE: 'Autopilot is intended for use only with a fully attentive driver.'

San Francisco's California Highway Patrol tweeted: 'When u pass out behind the wheel on the Bay Bridge with more than 2x legal alcohol BAC limit and are found by a CHP Motor.

'Driver explained Tesla had been set on autopilot. He was arrested and charged with suspicion of DUI.

'Car towed (no it didn’t drive itself to the tow yard).'