'We wouldn't encourage willingly driving your vehicle into the water' man arrested for driving Cybertruck into a lake to test its Wade Mode, police say

Date:
Sat, 23 May 2026 11:10:03 +0000

Description:
Tesla Cybertruck owner finds out the hard way after getting stuck in a lake and subsequently arrested for testing the vehicles Wade Mode.

FULL STORY ======================================================================Copy link Facebook X Whatsapp Reddit Pinterest Flipboard Threads Email Share this article 0 Join the conversation Follow us Add us as a preferred source on Google Newsletter Subscribe to our newsletter A Texas man has been accused of intentionally driving his Tesla into a lake Partially submerged vehicle was removed by a rescue team Cybertruck has a max wade depth of just 81.5cm
(32in) A Tesla driver has been arrested in Texas after intentionally piloting his Cybertruck into a lake in order to test the Wade Mode feature, police
say.

The divisive, angular electric vehicle, which was launched in 2019 alongside claims of it being partially bulletproof and able to tackle the toughest terrain, features an official maximum wading depth of 81.5cm (32in),
according to Tesla's online manual. But one hapless owner quickly found the limits of Teslas technology after deliberately entering Grapevine Lake in north Texas this week, according to police. Rescue services said they found the vehicle abandoned by the driver and passengers after it took on water and became stuck. Latest Videos From You may like Two more high-profile Tesla crashes spark fresh Full Self-Driving controversy Tesla owners in Europe demand $7,500 refund as Full Self-Driving anger grows Tesla recalls
Cybertruck RWD over fears the wheels might fall off

Subsequently, the driver was arrested on charges of operating a vehicle in a closed section of the lake and for other water safety equipment violations, police said according to the BBC .

Both the police and the Grapevine Fire Department Water Rescue Team were called to remove the Cybertruck from the shoreline.

Police said in a statement that "although a vehicle may be physically capable of entering shallow freshwater areas, doing so can create legal and safety concerns under Texas law". Analysis: A questionable off-roader? (Image
credit: Tesla) Ever since its launch, numerous websites and social media channels have been testing the claimed robustness of Teslas Cybertruck, with mixed results. Get daily insight, inspiration and deals in your inbox Sign up for breaking news, reviews, opinion, top tech deals, and more. Contact me
with news and offers from other Future brands Receive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsors By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

WhistlinDiesels brutal YouTube video caused a stir when it went live a year ago, showing important parts of the Cybertruck seemingly physically coming away from the frame when subjected to numerous abusive tests.

Similarly, MotorTrends detailed off-road analysis concluded that Cybertruck has the makings of greatness but doesnt really deliver the important stuff.

Its reporters claimed that visibility was poor, the range was zapped during off-road driving and the lack of a spare tire was amateur hour. What to read next Tesla's controversial self-driving tech just got a green light in Europe Tesla's massive Spring update splits opinion as it leaves older cars behind Starlink outage left 24 unmanned US Navy vessels stranded in the water WhistlinDiesel Cybertruck Durability Test #1 - YouTube Watch On Customers are also finding myriad reliability issues with their trucks, including but not limited to alleged rusting panels, flyaway wheel covers, tonneau cover leaks and, perhaps more worrying still, wheels that could fall off .

With regards to Wade Mode, Tesla states on its website that it is the
driver's responsibility "to gauge the depth of any body of water before entering", adding that "damage or water ingress to Cybertruck as a result of driving in water is not covered by the warranty".

But with all of the bold claims before, during and after the Cybertruck's launch, it is no wonder customers place faith in the EV's abilities. Follow TechRadar on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our expert news, reviews, and opinion in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button!

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Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/vehicle-tech/hybrid-electric-vehicles/we-wouldnt-enc ourage-willingly-driving-your-vehicle-into-the-water-man-arrested-for-driving- cybertruck-into-a-lake-to-test-its-wade-mode-police-say


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