Tesla’s Cybertruck might look futuristic, but UK police say it’s a no-go on local roads—and here’s why.
A Tesla Cybertruck recently made headlines in the UK, but not for reasons its owner would have hoped. Greater Manchester Police (GMP) seized the sharp-edged electric truck in Whitefield, Bury, after discovering it was illegally being driven on British roads. The futuristic truck, which isn’t officially sold in the UK or Europe, has been deemed unsafe and non-compliant with local regulations.
The Cybertruck was registered and insured abroad, but its owner is a permanent UK resident, making the setup illegal under British law. According to GMP, the truck lacked a Certificate of Conformity (COC), a document that certifies a vehicle meets local safety and environmental standards. Without it, the Cybertruck cannot be legally registered or insured for road use in the UK.
The police didn’t stop at paperwork violations—they also raised concerns about the Cybertruck’s safety design. At nearly 7,000 pounds and lacking traditional crumple zones, the vehicle poses a higher risk in collisions, especially for pedestrians and cyclists. Its sharp edges have also been flagged as a potential hazard, with even minor accidents potentially causing severe injuries. GMP’s social media post didn’t mince words, stating, “Legitimate concerns exist around the safety of other road users or pedestrians if they were involved in a collision with a Cybertruck.”
The Cybertruck’s controversial design and size have drawn criticism beyond the UK. The European Transport Safety Council previously voiced its opposition to the vehicle, calling it “lethal” for urban environments. With Tesla’s electric truck already under scrutiny for its unconventional safety features, it seems unlikely to pass European safety tests anytime soon.
Despite these hurdles, the Cybertruck’s appeal remains strong for some enthusiasts. Tesla launched the truck in 2019, and its bold, angular design quickly divided opinions. The truck has made promotional appearances in Europe, including at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, and a few determined owners have imported them. However, many have found that modifying the trucks for compliance is no small feat. One owner reportedly added rubber moldings and custom lights to meet local standards, but even these tweaks may not address all regulatory concerns.
The seized Cybertruck in Manchester has been referred to Operation Wolverine, a task force targeting uninsured and improperly registered vehicles. The owner must now prove proper ownership and insurance to reclaim the truck, though authorities have suggested this will be a challenging task.
While the Cybertruck remains a polarizing vehicle globally, this incident highlights the difficulties of importing non-compliant vehicles into regions with strict safety standards. It’s also a reminder that even the most eye-catching EVs need to meet the rules of the road before hitting the pavement. For now, the Cybertruck’s future in the UK—and Europe more broadly—remains uncertain, leaving fans and critics wondering whether it will ever gain a legitimate foothold on this side of the Atlantic.
