Why this Tesla Cybertruck was seized by UK police

The controversial Tesla Cybertruck has hit its first roadblock in the UK, after a privately registered example was seized by police.

According to Bury Police from the Greater Manchester region, a black-wrapped Tesla Cybertruck was spotted driving in the town of Whitefield.

Upon being pulled over, the Cybertruck’s owner was found to be a permanent UK resident, however the electric pickup was registered and insured overseas, which is illegal in the country.

Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now.

It’s likely the owner was attempting to avoid waiting to buy the Cybertruck in the UK, as it isn’t built in right-hand-drive, nor does it hold a certificate of conformity which allows vehicles to move between the UK and mainland Europe.

“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,” Bury Police said on Facebook.

“The vehicle was subsequently seized under S165 of the Road Traffic Act and the driver reported.”

It’s not yet clear where the Cybertruck was registered, though it’s believed to only be sold directly by Tesla in North America.

Tesla is yet to announce plans to produce the Cybertruck in right-hand drive, despite an example of the electric pickup recently being used on a promotional tour of Australia, visiting numerous local Tesla showrooms.

While Tesla received significant pre-orders for the Cybertruck prior to deliveries beginning in late 2022, demand for it has since slowed, with Business Insider earlier this month reporting Tesla workers have been transferred from Cybertruck to Model Y production.

Three employees of the Austin factory where the Cybertruck is produced were reportedly told production of parts would slow down during the first quarter of 2025, with the company instead focusing on the recently facelifted Model Y.