Police seized a Tesla Cybertruck being driven illegally in the UK
A Cybertruck, a modified version of Tesla's electric pickup, was seized by police in the UK on Thursday and drivers have been warned it's not legal to drive there as it could be dangerous to pedestrians and other road users. The Cybertruck, which has been customized with a light bar and 'Cyberbeast' wrap, was stopped in the town of Whitefield near Manchester in northwest England. Authorities seized the vehicle because the Cybertruck had been registered and insured abroad, which is illegal in the UK. Bury police posted on X: This may seem like a small issue to some viewers, but there are valid concerns about the safety of other road users or pedestrians in the event of a crash with a Cybertruck. While the Cybertruck has been a common sight on US roads since it launched in 2023, it has not arrived in Europe, one of Tesla's biggest markets, despite arriving in Mexico and Canada last year. The Cybertruck's sharp edges, which have seen some owners report injuries in the US, are likely to be banned under EU and UK rules prohibiting the sale of vehicles with sharp external projections.' The Cybertruck’s weight also presents a problem for any European Tesla owners hoping to import one into Europe. The vehicle weighs between 8,830 and 9,170 pounds or between 4.4 and 4.5 tons including passengers and cargo. That means it's probably too heavy to drive on British or most European roads without a special license, which experts told BI. Most drivers in the UK and EU need a different license to drive a vehicle over 7,700 pounds. A few Cybertrucks have been modified and delivered to Europe. Based on our research, we advocate for the ban of the truck after a model with blunted corners was registered in the Czech Republic last year. There's no word from Tesla on whether or not the truck will launch in the UK or EU and it's unclear if there's a market for it. Credits go to Business Insider, for the article, and X for the post. When reached out for a comment, Tesla didn't respond immediately.
Shandor Brenner is an American journalist recognized for his sharp and insightful reporting on social and political issues. His work is known for its depth, integrity, and the ability to highlight critical societal concerns.