Tesla Cybertruck safety concerns UK: Vehicle seized in Whitefield, Greater Manchester after being illegally driven on UK roads

Greater Manchester Police said the vehicle was stopped in Whitefield on Thursday night (January 16) and it was driven by a permanent UK resident. However, it was found to be registered and insured abroad, making it prohibited from use on UK roads.

In a statement posted on Bury Police's Facebook page, GMP explained: "The Tesla Cybertruck is not road legal in the UK and does not hold a certificate of conformity. Whilst this may seem trivial to some, legitimate concerns exist around the safety of other road users or pedestrians if they were involved in a collision with a Cybertruck. The vehicle was subsequently seized under S165 of the Road Traffic Act and the driver reported.”

A Greater Manchester Police spokesperson confirmed that the case has been referred to Operation Wolverine, an initiative established in 2007 to target uninsured drivers. The owner will need to provide proof of ownership and valid UK insurance before the vehicle can be released.

The Tesla Cybertruck, first unveiled in prototype form in 2019, officially launched in 2023. Known for its futuristic design and durability, the vehicle boasts a range of up to 340 miles, 35-inch all-terrain tyres, and 17 inches of ground clearance. At over 5.6 metres long, the Cybertruck significantly exceeds the size of standard SUVs like the Range Rover, which measures just over five metres in length.

Concerns about the vehicle's safety on UK roads stem from its size and lack of a certificate of conformity, which ensures vehicles meet European safety and environmental standards.