Tesla Yoke Steering Wheel Is Legal for UK Roads, Government Says

Photo: Tesla

Tesla has recently introduced several cars that have an unusual steering wheel that differs from the standard, round shape. In this regard, the question was raised as to how legitimate is the use of such a steering wheel in cars. And while some are pondering this, the UK government has given an unequivocal answer: the yoke-style steering wheel is legal for the country's roads.

The Department for Transportation UK (DfT) told the Sunday Times that its rules do not describe the exact shape and size of the steering wheel. UK regulations mean that a car's steering equipment could be anything--a wheel, a joystick, a handlebar, or Tesla's new yoke-style steering wheel--and still remain legal, providing the system can be used to maintain control of the vehicle, and meet UK MOT standards for excessive play or movement. Based on this answer, it can be concluded that the use of such a steering wheel in the Model X and S, Cybertruck and Roadster 2, is fully permitted on the roads of the UK.

DfT Statement:

“The regulations relating to steering equipment (UN-ECE Regulation 79) does not stipulate any shape or size of the steering wheel.”

Yoke Steering provides "the ultimate focus on driving: no stalks, no shifting. With a stalkless steering yoke, you can enjoy both the best car to drive, and the best car to be driven in," Tesla wrote in the description for the updated models. The basic message here is that the company is confident that it will soon be able to reach Level 5 autonomy, and a large round steering wheel will be completely out of place in the car of the future.

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