Tesla Cybertruck fails EU safety rules, import denied for US troops

The US Army confirmed Tesla Cybertruck cannot be imported to Europe due to safety violations of EU regulations, including risks to pedestrians and heavy vehicle standards.

The U.S. Army has confirmed that the Tesla Cybertruck cannot be imported or registered in Europe. The decision highlights the deep gap between the electric pickup’s design and European safety standards. Even American soldiers, who normally have the right to bring their personal vehicles through military logistics, will not be granted an exemption.

The main issue lies in the lack of EU type-approval. TÜV experts point out that the Cybertruck’s sharp edges and rigid stainless-steel body pose a danger to vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists. EU regulations demand energy-absorbing zones and impact protection, along with speed limiters for vehicles exceeding 3.5 tons. According to Tesla, the Cybertruck can weigh up to 4 tons, which creates yet another obstacle for approval.

Attempts to secure an exemption through the German Ministry of Transport were unsuccessful. After a legal review, German authorities rejected the request from the U.S. Army, stressing that safe operation on public roads could not be ensured. They also noted that the vehicle’s unusual design would draw too much attention, undermining force protection measures for American personnel.

There have been isolated cases of private imports. In the Czech Republic, one Cybertruck was registered via an individual approval process, but only after modifications such as rubber strips were added to blunt its sharp edges. Despite this, European road safety organizations strongly oppose the presence of the model on local roads and continue to call for its complete prohibition.

Tesla itself has not issued an official statement on adapting the Cybertruck for the EU. Industry observers suggest that the company may not be willing to re-engineer the vehicle for a limited market, focusing instead on countries where it can be sold without changes, such as South Korea and the UAE. A potential EU–U.S. trade agreement, which could include mutual recognition of vehicle standards, might alter the situation. Until then, the Cybertruck remains a striking example of the divide between American and European approaches to road safety.