Police arrested a driver Monday after a Tesla Cybertruck became disabled and took on water at Grapevine Lake.
Patrol officers responded to Katie’s Woods Park Boat Ramp, where they found the Cybertruck in the water near the shoreline, Grapevine police said.
The driver told officers he intentionally drove into the lake to use the vehicle’s “Wade Mode” feature, according to police.
“The vehicle became disabled and took on water,” police said.
The driver and passengers abandoned the vehicle before the Grapevine Fire Department Water Rescue Team helped remove it from the lake.
Driver Faces Multiple Charges
Police arrested the driver on charges of operating a vehicle in a closed section of a park or lake and numerous water safety equipment violations.
“We want to remind drivers that although a vehicle may be physically capable of entering shallow freshwater areas, doing so can create legal and safety concerns under Texas law,” police said.
Tesla Manual Warns Of Water Limits
Tesla’s owner manual says Wade Mode allows the Cybertruck to enter and drive through bodies of water, such as rivers or creeks.
The manual states that the maximum wade depth is approximately 32 inches, measured from the bottom of the tire. It also says drivers must inspect underwater conditions, use best judgment, and drive slowly and safely.
Tesla warns that soft or muddy underwater surfaces can cause the Cybertruck to sink, effectively increasing the water level on the vehicle.
The manual also says damage or water entering the Cybertruck because of driving in water is not covered by the warranty.
