NEAR MISS: Tesla Cybertruck Suddenly Reverses Itself at Red Light in Self-Driving Mode.
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A Tesla Cybertruck waiting at a red light unexpectedly began driving backward on its own while operating in self-driving mode. The vehicle’s owner captured the moment on dashboard camera as the truck shifted into reverse without any driver input. Footage shows the Cybertruck moving at approximately 2 miles per hour in reverse before later resuming normal forward motion once the light turned green. The incident has drawn attention for its unusual and sudden nature.
Dashboard video reveals a large blue semi-truck with a white trailer passing closely on the right side of the Cybertruck at the moment the reverse movement began. As the oversized vehicle moved by, the Cybertruck’s interface displayed the letter “R” along with a speed reading of 2 MPH. The timing of the reverse action appears closely linked to the presence of the semi-truck. After the larger vehicle cleared the area, the Cybertruck remained stationary until the traffic signal changed.
The event occurred while the Cybertruck was using Tesla’s Full Self-Driving system. Autonomous driving technology is often promoted for its potential to reduce accidents by removing human error from routine decisions. In this case, the system’s response to the nearby semi-truck produced an unexpected reverse maneuver at a complete stop. The footage has circulated widely, partly because of its surprising visual and the question of what triggered the behavior.
Observers note that the incident carries a clickbait quality, with the sudden reverse motion creating an immediate sense of drama. The apparent reason, according to the available details, centers on how the Full Self-Driving software interpreted the large vehicle passing in close proximity. Rather than remaining fully stationary, the system briefly commanded a reverse movement. The Cybertruck did not continue rolling indefinitely and returned to normal operation when the light turned green.
No collision or injury resulted from the brief reverse travel. The driver remained in the vehicle and was able to observe the entire sequence through the dashboard display. The combination of the red light, the passing semi-truck, and the self-driving system’s reaction created a moment that looks startling on video yet ended without further incident. The footage provides a clear record of both the reverse command and the later resumption of forward motion.
The episode adds to ongoing public discussion about how autonomous systems handle unusual traffic situations, such as large vehicles passing at close range. While the technology aims to improve safety overall, individual moments like this one highlight the still-evolving nature of self-driving decision-making. For now, the Cybertruck’s brief reverse journey at the red light stands as a documented example of Full Self-Driving behavior under specific roadside conditions.