5-0 Pulled My 2025 Tesla Cybertruck Over For Not Having Tags, I Told Him They Are Not Required In Texas, He Checked With Higher Ups and Let Me Off the Hook

Have you ever been pulled over by the police as you were pulling into your driveway? 

Imagine buying a new Tesla Cybertruck, and your family is waiting for you. The kids come running out when they see you, just as you pull into the driveway. They can't wait to see your new CT. 

However, the kids are greeted by a police officer who has just pulled up with his patrol car lights on, gets out of his car, and asks to see your license and registration. Your wife and kids don't know what's going on.

"Do you know why I pulled you over?" He asks. 

He has pulled you over because you don't have temporary license plates on your new Cybertruck. However, the Tesla dealer said you don't need them. So, now, you are confused.

"I just bought the truck officer," you tell him. 

He checks your license, gets the vehicle identification number (VIN) off the truck, and calls it in while you sit in your driveway. He's checking to see if it's a stolen vehicle. 

Now, the neighbors see the flashing lights and look out their windows, wondering what's going on. 

So what is going on?

MiGi Buuhat, who is the new Cybertruck owner, says on the Tesla Cybertruck Owners Facebook post, 

"5-0 pulled me over in my new Cybertruck as I got home."

"He asked where my temporary paper plates were since I just purchased my vehicle not too long ago." 

"I told him Tesla said they're not required to provide temporary paper plates anymore in my state (Texas), and that they will mail me my permanent plates soon." 

"I did check on this and found out the new law changes that took effect on 07/01/2025." 

"Anyway, he ran my VIN and I showed proof of purchase, and he confirmed with his higher-ups, then let me off the hook."

"For some odd reason, I knew something like this would happen to me," he says with a grin.

"P.S., I've owned the truck for 4 days."

There's a new law in Texas.

The Texas DMV states that in Texas, temporary paper license plates are being phased out, and most car buyers will now receive their permanent metal license plates at the time of purchase from a dealership. This change, enacted by House Bill 718, takes effect on July 1, 2025. 

However, the Tesla dealer did not have MiGi Buuhat's new metal license plates. 

Here's a more detailed explanation of what's happening in Texas:

• Elimination of paper tags: The state is transitioning away from temporary paper license plates, which have often been associated with fraud and misuse.
• Permanent plates at purchase: Dealers are supposed to issue permanent metal license plates to new car buyers at the point of sale.
• Enhanced security: This transition aims to improve security, reduce fraud, and aid law enforcement efforts.
• Registration stickers: Motorists will still receive registration stickers in the mail after their purchase, but they can immediately install and drive with the metal plates. 

However, dealerships are now required to issue metal license plates to buyers at the time of sale. This didn't happen when MiGi bought his new Cybertruck.

Here's what likely happened. 

The new law went into effect on July 1, 2025. MiGi posted the story on July 6 and said he had owned his new Cybertruck for only 4 days. So, he bought the new CT on July 2. The law had just gone into effect; the Tesla dealer was aware of the new law, but they didn't yet have the metal license plates to issue to new customers.

So, the common practice of driving off the dealer's lot in a new car with a paper tag has largely been eliminated.

Why the change from paper license tags?

Fox 7 News in Austin, TX reports that lawmakers pushed for the change because paper tags were easy to counterfeit and were being used in crimes.

Officials estimated 1.8 million fraudulent paper plates were on the roads in Texas in 2021.

Law enforcement officers from across the state testified in favor of the change.

Grand Prairie Police Chief Daniel Scesney was a big supporter of the legislation because he said paper tags caused the death of one of his officers.

Officer Brandon Tsia died while attempting to pull over a Chevy Malibu with a fake paper license plate. He lost control of his squad car and crashed into a utility pole.

At the time, Scesney said that the same fictitious tag had been swapped to different vehicles at least 200 times.

So Now You Know

If you live in Texas and purchase a new Cybertruck or another new vehicle, you will not be issued temporary plates; however, you will receive your permanent plates immediately. The registration stickers will be mailed to you later.

Do you Live In Texas?

Have you recently purchased a new vehicle? If so, we want to hear about your experience. Click the red Add New Comment link below and share your story with us and other readers.

Check out my Tesla Cybertruck story: I Had My Tesla Cybertruck on Cruise at 82 MPH and A GA State Patrol Gave Me a Ticket For Going 89 MPH, Says Anything Over 85 Is a ‘Super-Speeder’ Fine

I am Denis Flierl, a Senior Torque News Reporter since 2012. My 30+ year tenure in the automotive industry, initially in a consulting role with every major car brand and later as a freelance journalist test-driving new vehicles, has equipped me with a wealth of knowledge. I specialize in reporting the latest automotive news, covering owner stories, and providing expert analysis, ensuring that you are always well-informed and up-to-date. Follow me on X @DenisFlierl, @WorldsCoolestRides, Facebook, and Instagram

Photo credit: Denis Flierl via MiGi Buuhat