Tesla's Workaround for the Street Illegal Cybertruck Lightbar

If you follow any social media posts related to the Cybertruck, one standout complaint―even by Cybertruck fans―is the lighting system during inclement weather. It just doesn't aid visibility well enough to match what non-Cybertruck owners are used to with other Tesla models when driving safely with their vehicles at night or when it's raining.

In fact, a recent Reddit post from the r/CyberStuck subreddit group passed on another subreddit post from the Tesla Enthusiast group that appeared to be one owner admitting how many charges it took to tow a Model S with his Cybertruck during a road trip from South Florida to Iowa.

Related article: The Most Honest Tesla Cybertruck Review You Will Ever Hear

While the post is focused on informing other enthusiasts about the Cybertruck performance he experienced while towing an almost Cybertruck-like load with his Cybertruck, the owner mentions that the Cybertruck's headlights are useless in rain or fog, so he got an upgrade with a 52-inch LED lightbar.

Cybertruck towing performance problems are well known. However, an interesting comment in the r/CyberStuck thread questioned whether the lightbar accessory is actually legal.

Looking a little deeper into this, it turns out that the lightbar is considered illegal for street use as it risks blinding oncoming traffic. This, in turn, begs the question: How does Tesla get away with this?

Tesla's Pontius Pilate Approach

Tesla absolves itself from any responsibility related to an illegal lightbar because while It sells the accessory and installs the lightbar, it will not take the necessary steps to make it operational. Rather, Tesla recommends a third party do the installation. In addition, the Cybertruck Service Manual provides detailed 53-step instructions on how to DIY your lightbar online.

At the beginning and end of the manual you will find the included warnings, respectively:

The Tesla Lightbar for Cybertruck is designed only for off road use. Tesla by law cannot install the lightbar electronics and configure the vehicle for lightbar control.

Tesla employees are not permitted to connect or assist with the connection of the Cybertruck off road lightbar harness to the roof accessory jumper harness connector. Only the customer or a third-party entity is permitted to complete the lightbar harness connection.

In other words, they handwash away any responsibility.

Cybertruck Owner Show and Tell of Lightbar Accessory He Bought from Tesla

For more about this workaround Tesla uses, here is a link to a Reddit video of one Cybertruck owner who shows you what Tesla will do for you to make your Cybertruck lightbar operational, what it looks like, and how well it works once fully connected.

What is Your Opinion―Is this workaround legitimate? Or do you feel that Tesla should be focused on improving Cybertruck headlights rather than supplying a "fix" that is illegal and unsafe when used on the streets?

Or is this really no different from some companies selling radar detectors or jammers that are illegal in some areas to have installed in your car or buying a scan tool from China on Amazon for odometer fraud use?

Let us know what you think in the comments section below.

For additional cybertruck-related articles, be sure to check out these selected two:

• 4 New Tesla Batteries Expected, Announcement
• Why You Should Listen To But Not Believe Tesla Naysayers

Timothy Boyer is an automotive reporter based in Cincinnati. Experienced with early car restorations, he currently works on restoring older vehicles with engine modifications for improved performance. He also reports on modern cars (including EVs) with a focus on DIY mechanics, buying and using tools; and other related topical automotive repair news that is informative, if not at least entertaining. Follow Tim on Twitter at @TimBoyerWritesfor daily news and topics related to new and used cars and trucks.

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