Texas Driver Arrested After Submerging Tesla Cybertruck to Test Wade Mode

Context Authorities recovered the vehicle from Katie’s Woods Park Boat Ramp in Grapevine after it became disabled and took on water. The driver and passengers abandoned the truck before calling for help, and a photo of the half‑submerged silver Cybertruck circulated online. Police said the driver stated he intentionally drove into the lake to use the Cybertruck’s “wade mode” feature.

Key Facts The driver said he deliberately drove the Cybertruck into the lake to try its wade mode. He was arrested for operating a vehicle in a closed section of a park or lake and for several water safety equipment violations. Tesla’s Cybertruck wade mode allows safe operation in up to about 32 inches of water, according to the vehicle’s manual.

What It Means The incident highlights the gap between a vehicle’s technical capability and legal restrictions on where it can be used. Law enforcement emphasized that even if a truck can enter shallow freshwater, doing so may violate state park rules and safety statutes. Investigators will likely review whether any modifications or misuse contributed to the vehicle’s failure.

Watch for any potential civil penalties or changes to park signage that could deter similar experiments with off‑road vehicle features.