Tesla Cybertruck driver arrested after driving into lake to use 'wade mode', police say

May 20, 2026

A Texas man was arrested after deliberately driving his Tesla Cybertruck into Grapevine Lake to test the vehicle's wade mode feature, which is designed to allow the truck to traverse shallow water up to about 32 inches deep. The vehicle became disabled and took on water, requiring emergency responders to recover it from near the shoreline after the driver and passengers abandoned it. Police charged the driver with operating a vehicle in a restricted lake area and water safety violations, emphasizing that while the vehicle may have the technical capability to enter water, doing so raises both legal and safety concerns under Texas law.

Who is affected

The driver of the Tesla Cybertruck (arrested individual)
Passengers in the vehicle who had to abandon it
Grapevine Police Department officers
Grapevine Fire Department Water Rescue Team members
Taxpayers (who fund emergency response operations)

What action is being taken

No explicit ongoing actions are described in the article. The arrest has already occurred and the vehicle has already been recovered.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the legal and safety risks of misusing vehicle features, even when manufacturers provide certain capabilities. It demonstrates that technical capability does not equate to legal permission, as Texas law restricts vehicle operation in certain water bodies regardless of the vehicle's design. The case also serves as a public warning about the consequences of reckless behavior and the potential financial burden on drivers, since Tesla's warranty does not cover water damage from such usage.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC