The United Kingdom now has its own illegal version of the Cybertruck covered in rubber on the road.

Yianni Charalambous, known for customizing luxury vehicles in England, is seeking to legalize a Tesla Cybertruck for use in the UK. If his initiative is successful, this would be the first Cybertruck authorized to operate on British roads, alongside a model that has been approved for use in the Czech Republic following minor adaptations.

However, road safety groups have expressed concerns, as the Czech Cybertruck was able to pass the Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA) test, despite its minimal modifications. While automotive design standards in the U.S. are less strict, Europe requires rigorous safety regulations before a car receives approval for public road registration.

Despite Brexit, the UK still follows European type regulations, including IVA rules for imported exotic vehicles. Since July, all new vehicles in the EU must include safety technologies such as automated emergency braking systems and intelligent speed assistance. Additionally, the EU’s pedestrian safety regulations, which are also relevant in the UK, prohibit the sale of vehicles with "sharp external projections," which poses a barrier for the Cybertruck's sale in those markets.

Charalambous has already begun modifying his Cybertruck, even though it is currently not legal on British roads. In a video, he mentions that if he succeeds in registering it with UK plates, he anticipates an increase in the number of these vehicles in the country. The IVA process is complex and managed by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), which has only 14 centers capable of assessing this truck due to its weight.

Meeting IVA regulations requires significant financial investment and specific modifications to satisfy demanding safety standards. Some of these include changing American-style indicators to British ones, as well as implementing rubber bumpers to comply with safety requirements similar to those used in the Czech Republic.

Nevertheless, the legalization of the Cybertruck is not guaranteed, and those involved in the process have acknowledged the significant challenges. IVA experts have indicated that the structure and design of the Cybertruck could hinder its passage through the relevant tests. Charalambous and his team have been adjusting the vehicle, but uncertainty remains about whether they will be able to meet all necessary regulations.

Additionally, if the Cybertruck is deemed to not meet established safety standards, this could have legal ramifications for Charalambous.

Opinions are divided on the safety of the Cybertruck, as there are concerns regarding its aggressive design and its potential to cause harm in accidents, leading various road safety organizations to voice their opposition to the possible legalization of this vehicle on British roads.

The situation is still developing, and time will tell if Charalambous's efforts will bear fruit and if the Cybertruck will be seen on the roads of the UK.