What is the coffee cup symbol on the Honda CRV?
The coffee cup icon in a Honda CR-V is a fatigue and driver-attention warning from Honda’s Driver Attention Monitor. It signals you to take a break if the system detects signs of drowsiness or inattention while driving.
Long drives can dull alertness, and the CR-V’s driver-assistance suite includes a monitoring feature designed to keep you safer on the road. This article explains what the symbol looks like, when you might see it, and how to respond.
What the coffee cup symbol indicates
Below is a quick overview of the symbol’s meaning and its role within the vehicle’s safety system.
- The icon represents a fatigue/rest-break reminder, not a fault or malfunction warning.
- It is part of Honda Sensing’s Driver Attention Monitor, which analyzes driving behavior to detect inattention or drowsiness.
- It typically appears after prolonged driving or patterns suggestive of reduced attention, such as erratic steering or lane-keeping behavior.
- When shown, the vehicle may also display a message like “Take a break” on the instrument cluster or multi-information display.
- The alert can reappear if the driver continues to drive without taking a break or addressing the warning.
In practice, the coffee cup is a proactive reminder rather than a warning about vehicle operation. It aims to prompt a brief rest to reduce the risk of a fatigue-related incident.
When you’ll see it and where
The exact timing and display location can vary by model year and trim, but the following patterns are common across CR-Vs equipped with Honda Sensing and Driver Attention Monitor.
- Display location: the symbol may appear in the instrument cluster’s digital gauge area or on the central multi-information display.
- Trigger timing: after extended driving sessions or when the system detects patterns consistent with inattention or fatigue, rather than for a single, brief lapse.
- Accompaniments: often paired with an audible chime and a text prompt advising a break or rest stop.
This reminder is designed to work alongside your own judgment. If you’re feeling rushed or fatigued, pulling over to rest is the safer choice even if the symbol hasn’t appeared yet.
How to respond when you see the symbol
If the coffee cup icon appears, use these steps to respond responsibly and keep driving safely.
- Find a safe place to pull over and take a short break.
- Stand up, stretch, take a walk, and hydrate; a 5- to 15-minute break can help restore alertness.
- Re-engage with the drive only after you feel more awake and focused. If you’re still fatigued, continue resting or switch drivers if possible.
- Make sure you’re comfortable: adjust seating and cabin temperature to reduce drowsiness (a cooler environment can help some drivers stay more alert).
Remember, the symbol is not a diagnostic light. It’s a reminder to prioritize safety. If fatigue is persistent, extending the rest period or stopping for a longer break is advisable.
Tips to reduce fatigue alerts and improve alertness
There are practical steps you can take to minimize false or unnecessary alerts and stay alert on long trips.
- Get sufficient sleep before long drives and take regular breaks every couple of hours.
- Keep the cabin comfortable and well-ventilated; a cooler environment can help some drivers stay awake.
- Stay hydrated and have a light, non-drowsy snack if needed.
- Ensure the windshield camera and sensors are clean and unobstructed so the system can accurately monitor you.
- Acknowledge and respond to the alert promptly; prolonged disregard may lead to more frequent reminders.
While Driver Attention Monitor technology is a helpful aid, it does not replace safe driving practices. Always rely on your own judgment, and take breaks whenever you feel tired or distracted.
Summary
The coffee cup symbol on the Honda CR-V is a fatigue/driver-attention warning from the Driver Attention Monitor. It prompts you to take a break when signs of drowsiness or inattention are detected, typically appearing in the instrument cluster or central display after extended driving. Respond by stopping to rest, stretching, and re-evaluating your readiness to drive. Used correctly, this feature helps reduce fatigue-related risks on the road.
