Tesla Cybertruck
The Tesla Cybertruck drives on a cold winter day in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, on February 14, 2026. (Photo by Creative Touch Imaging Ltd./NurPhoto via Getty Images)
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Driver Intentionally Drives Tesla Cybertruck into Lake, Shocked When it Becomes Stuck

A Texas driver landed in legal trouble after intentionally driving a Tesla Cybertruck into Grapevine Lake to test its “Wade Mode.”

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In a bizarre incident in Texas, a driver allegedly "intentionally" drove a Tesla Cybertruck into a lake while attempting to test one of the vehicle's most talked-about features.

Videos by Wide Open Country

Authorities say the man drove the truck into Grapevine Lake in North Texas as part of an attempt to try out the Cybertruck's "Wade Mode."

A bystander watched the strange scene unfold as the futuristic vehicle rolled into the water.

Tesla Cybertruck Driver Arrested After Lake Incident

Police officers responded to the scene shortly before 8PM on Monday evening.

According to authorities, the driver and passengers safely exited the vehicle before the Grapevine Fire Department water rescue team recovered the Cybertruck from the lake.

Video captured by a witness showed the truck driving across rocky terrain before becoming stranded in the water.

"Yo sir, you can't park there," the bystander joked in footage obtained by Fox 4.

Authorities later identified the driver as Jimmy Jack McDaniel.

Police arrested McDaniel and charged him with operating a vehicle in a closed section of a park or lake.

He also faces charges related to not having valid boat registration and multiple water safety equipment violations.

As of Tuesday afternoon, McDaniel remained in custody at the Grapevine Jail.

Police Say Cybertruck 'Became Disabled' in Water

Authorities have not explained exactly what McDaniel hoped to accomplish by driving into the lake.

Police said the Cybertruck "became disabled" almost immediately after entering the water.

As the vehicle appeared to get stuck, two men could be seen climbing out through the passenger-side window.

"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 in a statement.

According to Tesla's Cybertruck owner's manual, "Wade Mode allows Cybertruck to enter and drive through bodies of water, such as rivers or creeks."

However, the manual also warns drivers to carefully evaluate water depth before attempting to use the feature.

Tesla additionally notes that any damage caused while using Wade Mode does not fall under the vehicle warranty.

"Use your best judgement," the manual continues. "Take care to drive slowly and safely. If the water is too deep, return to more shallow water or dry land."