The striking Tesla Cybertruck has once again captured headlines, this time for being stopped and seized by police in the UK due to its road-legal status. The futuristic vehicle, renowned for its sharp, angular design and bulletproof steel body, raises questions about its compliance with international road safety regulations, including in Australia.

What Happened in the UK?

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) seized a Tesla Cybertruck on the streets of Bury, near Manchester, after it was found to lack a UK certificate of conformity. The vehicle, registered and insured abroad, is not certified for use on British roads and was confiscated on the spot. The driver, a UK resident, was reported for non-compliance.

In a statement, GMP explained their actions:

“Legitimate concerns exist around the safety of other road users or pedestrians if they were involved in a collision with the Cybertruck.”

The Cybertruck, weighing over three tonnes, had also been part of Tesla’s April 2024 recall due to issues with its accelerator pedals.

Could the Tesla Cybertruck Face Roadblocks in Australia?

While the Tesla Cybertruck is currently legal in the United States, its approval for Australian roads remains uncertain. The vehicle must pass rigorous local safety standards and meet requirements outlined by the Australian Design Rules (ADR). Given its unique design and size, achieving compliance might prove challenging.

Australia’s ADR regulations demand stringent safety measures, including advanced autonomous emergency braking systems and pedestrian safety features. The Cybertruck’s angular design and unconventional materials could face scrutiny under these standards.

For Tesla to bring the Cybertruck to Australian roads, the following hurdles must be cleared:

  1. Compliance with ADR: The vehicle must meet standards for crash safety, lighting, emissions, and other regulatory requirements.
  2. Left-to-Right Hand Drive Conversion: Australia mandates right-hand drive vehicles. Tesla would need to offer a factory-built right-hand drive version for local markets.
  3. Public Sentiment and Market Demand: While Tesla has a strong following in Australia, the Cybertruck’s size and design may not appeal to all. Its utility-focused nature could compete with popular utes like the Ford Ranger and Toyota Hilux.

A Lesson for Australia?

The UK seizure highlights the complexities of introducing revolutionary vehicles into regulated markets. If the Cybertruck makes its way to Australia, Tesla and local regulators must work together to ensure it complies with the law while satisfying the expectations of Australian drivers.

For now, Australians keen on the Tesla Cybertruck must wait to see whether Tesla will take the necessary steps to bring the vehicle Down Under. Until then, this futuristic ute remains a fascinating, albeit polarizing, talking point for EV enthusiasts worldwide.


CyberTruck Crash in Mexico Leaves Four Injured, Are EV’s Safe?
Two separate accidents involving Tesla’s Cybertruck have occurred in Mexico within 48 hours of its recent launch. In Guadalajara, an overturned vehicle left four injured, while a Mexico City crash saw minimal damage. Although not yet in Australia, the Cybertruck will be showcased in Brisbane.