Is It Really Illegal To Own A Cybertruck In Europe?
“In Germany, you can't get these registered."
On Nov. 1, a viral video claimed that cybertrucks are illegal in Europe. However, the situation is a bit more nuanced.
“In Germany, you can't get these registered,” said the subject in a viral video by @ahmedamwellclipped.
While it is not necessarily completely accurate to say Cybertrucks are “illegal” in Europe, it is true that Cybertrucks are not approved for sale or registration anywhere in the European Union due to safety concerns. This is because Tesla has not submitted the Cybertruck for EU-type approval, the certification every new vehicle needs before being sold or registered across EU member states. Without that approval, national vehicle authorities can’t issue registrations.
Now Trending
As a result, owners who import Cybertrucks privately are generally unable to register them for road use in most EU countries. The vehicle can enter the continent, but it can’t legally operate on public roads in nations that follow EU homologation rules.
Why Are Cybertrucks Not Approved In Europe?
The Cybertruck’s design conflicts with several long-standing EU safety requirements. One of the most cited issues is its rigid stainless-steel exterior, which doesn’t comply with EU pedestrian-protection rules requiring deformable crumple zones on the vehicle’s front end.
The truck’s size and weight also exceed the limits that regulators have historically approved for light-duty passenger vehicles. Additionally, EU rules mandate standardized mirrors, lighting elements, bumper geometry, and front-end compliance testing that the Cybertruck currently does not meet. Tesla has not indicated that an EU-specific, homologation-ready variant is in development, so until modifications are made, the model can’t pass the required conformity assessments.
FROM THE TRENDING NEWS DESK
Viral bits from across the social media landscape
Our team of experts tracks what's trending so you don't have to—from viral videos to online debates that have everyone talking.
Are There Exceptions Or Workarounds?
The man in the video explains that there are ways to work around these laws. “I sold one to a friend of ours,” he explained. “He's a UAE resident, but he also lives in Germany. He got a carnet de passage so he can drive it there, and left Dubai number plates on it. So he's driving around in Europe on Dubai plates.”
A carnet de passage is a temporary import document used for touring vehicles. It allows non-EU residents to drive their foreign-registered vehicles in the EU for a limited time, as long as the car isn’t sold locally and leaves the region before the permit expires. This system is designed for tourists and temporary visits—not permanent residency or everyday local use. EU citizens typically cannot use this workaround, making it impractical for anyone hoping to legally drive a Cybertruck inside the EU for a long period of time.
Despite EU-wide restrictions, a few non-EU countries have begun allowing Cybertrucks on the road. Norway, which is not an EU member and uses its own vehicle approval process, has already granted approvals for limited private imports, and many Cybertruck sightings have even been posted on Reddit.
RECOMMENDED FOR YOU
The Longest-Range EVs You Can Buy In 2026
Unpacking The Beijing Auto Show, From The Xiaomi SU7 To The Ford Bronco EREV
SpaceX Bought Nearly 20% Of Tesla Cybertrucks Sold In Q4
3 Big Takeaways From The Beijing Auto Show
Tesla’s Cheapest Cybertruck Is $10,000 Pricier And A Year Away
Cadillac's EVs Are Stealing Tons Of Buyers From Other Brands
Tesla Just Made The Cybertruck A Lot More Compelling