Tesla is permitted to install the light bar, but federal laws prohibit them from legally connecting it
Tesla is well-versed in selling accessories, and the Cybertruck might be its best fit for them. Fans noticed that when the truck went into production, it was missing its distinctive LED lightbar. Now, the accessory is set to ship to customers, but they’ll have to connect it on their own.
LED lightbars are as much about their appearance when off as they are about their ability to illuminate the night. The Cybertruck’s OEM lightbar is seamlessly integrated at the peak of its roof, complementing the design of the main DRL lightbar. In July, owners were notified via email that the lightbars were finally being shipped, but there’s a catch.
A Tesla technician will handle the light bar installation, but they won’t activate it. In fact, the Cybertruck Service Manual instructs technicians not to connect the light bar and to apply blackout film over the lens. This is due to federal safety regulations that prohibit the use of the light bar on public roads.
Owners will need to complete the final steps of installation—plugging in the light bar and removing the film—if they want it to be functional. This task seems relatively simple, as the Tesla technician will handle everything except those two actions. The real question is: how many owners will use these light bars responsibly?
Tesla is known for pushing the boundaries of federal safety standards, often staying just within legal limits. For example, the Cybertruck’s side mirrors are removable, as some owners prefer the look without them, and the truck’s cabin features video feeds of both sides, making the mirrors somewhat redundant.
With the lightbar now reaching customers, Tesla might even introduce another accessory—a cover designed to fit over the bar itself. It would complement the various other accessories Tesla offers for the Cybertruck.
