Tesla’s new Cybertruck is stirring controversy, this time due to a light bar that is illegal for use on public roads.
Avoid Legal Responsibility
The factory-installed light bar, which critics say blinds oncoming drivers, is so restricted that Tesla employees are not even allowed to complete its installation.
Instead, Cybertruck owners are directed to third-party workshops to handle the final setup.
Tech reviewer Marques Brownlee, who received his Cybertruck with a partially installed light bar, found the front portion covered with tape to prevent blinding oncoming drivers, according to Boosted.
Following delivery, Brownlee was told that Tesla had partnered with a local workshop to finish the job, helping the company avoid legal responsibility for installing equipment that cannot legally be used on the road.
Brownlee posted his experience on social media, sparking fresh debates over the ethics and safety of Tesla’s accessory.
Do Not Complete Light Bar Installations
This unconventional approach to installation aligns with Tesla’s Cybertruck service manual, which specifically instructs Tesla technicians not to complete light bar installations themselves.
According to the guide, only local workshops should handle the final step of connecting the wiring for this accessory. Tesla claims this step keeps them compliant with U.S. safety laws, but it also raises questions about the company’s legal accountability.
Installing the light bar isn’t a straightforward process either. Contrary to expectations, Tesla doesn’t provide a plug-and-play connection, even though the vehicle is marketed with a “roof accessory extension cable” for installation.
Instead, owners find three loose wires emerging from the roof, covered in heat-shrink tubing and left unfinished. These wires must be soldered to the light bar by an external workshop, a setup that industry experts have called “questionable” due to its limited protection against wear and tear.
Adding to the complexity, Tesla’s setup requires the connection to be managed outside the vehicle, where it may be vulnerable to environmental conditions.
Despite the workarounds Tesla has offered, some critics argue the solution still poses potential safety risks, sparking more questions than answers.
