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In 2025, Tesla introduced its latest Model Y, known as “Juniper,” in the United States. In comparison to the 2024 Model Y, this updated version of Tesla’s top-selling electric vehicle features a more contemporary, Cybertruck-inspired aesthetic, a quieter cabin, new tires, enhanced connectivity, and improved touchscreen functionalities. Nevertheless, it is the redesigned rear section of the Juniper that could lead to a traffic stop.

In January 2026, TeslaOracle reported that a Juniper owner was stopped by an officer in Indiana, who suspected that the EV’s taillights were not illuminated. The latest Model Y’s reimagined taillights are undeniably unconventional, showcasing an elongated light bar that reflects light instead of the more traditional taillights seen on the 2024 Model Y, or the outward-facing LED strip available with the modified Cyberstream taillight upgrade. Below, we analyze the differences between the Tesla Model Y Juniper’s taillights and its predecessor, and, crucially, how Tesla has assured that its EV complies with U.S. regulatory standards.

What distinguishes the Tesla Model Y Juniper’s taillight design?

In a segment of Jay Leno’s Garage, Tesla designer Franz von Holzhausen explained that the Model Y Juniper includes “an indirect running light” at the rear. This implies that there is no direct emission from this light bar. Instead, the illuminated bar is situated higher, with the red light it produces being reflected downward onto a more visible, custom-textured strip at the back. What is visible from behind the vehicle is this soft, reflected light. Von Holzhausen characterized this design as a “first in the industry.”

This represents a notable departure from the earlier Model Y, which featured more traditional taillights: Clear LED lights installed on either side of the vehicle’s rear, along with the brake and turn signals. The Model Y Juniper retains separate turn signals and C-shaped brake lights, along with an additional brake light in its backscreen window. However, these additional rear lights lack the distinctiveness present in the 2024 Model Y, as the reflective width-length bar integrates with them on either side — potentially causing confusion for the officer in Indiana.

How the Tesla Model Y Juniper’s taillight design adheres to regulations

Ultimately, Tesla would be unable to offer the Model Y Juniper in the U.S. unless its design complies with the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 108. This regulation addresses the photometric and visibility standards (including color, intensity, and placement) for lamps, reflective devices, and related equipment.

According to Tesla engineer Lars Moravy, although there are federal standards for rear lights, the manufacturer’s innovative design fulfills this requirement because “the regulation specifies how many lumens are emitted from the surface, but it does not specify what type of surface is necessary.”

FMVSS No. 108’s stipulations are quite comprehensive, but the Standard mandates that a passenger vehicle’s taillights must be “steady burning” red and should activate concurrently with the vehicle’s headlamps or parking lights. The minimum and maximum candela (not lumen) requirements for light intensity of taillights are a bit more intricate, varying by angle. For instance, at an 80-degree outboard corner point, a vehicle’s taillight should achieve a minimum luminous intensity of 0.5.

Tesla would have needed to conduct goniophotometer tests (used to assess light intensity) to confirm that the electric SUV’s design is in accordance with the luminous intensity requirements for these angles to sell the vehicle in the U.S. — although requirements and regulations may differ in other countries.

underrated smart car accessory you can add: An aftermarket tire pressure monitoring system, such as the Tymate TM7 Wireless TPMS. This budget-friendly add-on performs the same essential function as an OEM TPMS, turning your tires into smart ones without a hefty expense.

If horror enthusiasts visit Netflix this week, they’ll discover a message from Scott Derrickson, the director of Marvel’s “Doctor Strange” and a filmmaker adept at terrifying audiences. The mind behind “Sinister” and “The Exorcism of Emily Rose” currently has one of his films — “The Black Phone” — positioned at number nine on the streaming service at this moment, and it’s certainly worth a viewing. The 2021 horror movie features Mason Thames (from the live-action “How To Train Your Dragon”) alongside the delightfully deranged Ethan Hawke, who starred in the widely underrated time-travel film “Predestination.”

Based on a short story by Joe Hill (who also created “Locke & Key” before its adaptation by Netflix), “The Black Phone” takes place in 1978 and centers around Finney Blake (Thames), the latest victim of a local child murderer known as “The Grabber” (Hawke). Trapped in a desolate basement with nothing but a mattress, a toilet, and a disconnected black phone for companionship, Finney reflects on what could be his remaining days.

That is until the phone starts to ring, and the previous victims of The Grabber are on the other end, providing Finney with guidance from beyond the grave on how to escape the man who ended their lives. What ensues is a suspenseful horror tale that has led to a sequel, and if the actor behind the franchise’s killer gets his wish, a third installment may follow.

Ethan Hawke is keen to descend into hell in The Black Phone 3

In a conversation with Entertainment Weekly after the release of “Black Phone 2” (also helmed by Derrickson), Hawke expressed desires to reprise his role as The Grabber after the sequel premiered on October 17, 2025. “I would love to go to hell with the Grabber. That’s my aspiration,” Hawke shared. “I’d want to explore who he is. That would be my dream for the third installment, to make it a character study about what shaped him, who he is now, and how he’s invading other people’s nightmares.”

From the sounds of it, the actor behind the “Black Phone” franchise villain hopes to rival Freddy Krueger, but it ultimately depends on whether there’s enough demand from fans to make it happen. Sadly, “The Black Phone 2” faced challenges in matching its predecessor’s box office success, earning just over $132 million, while the original amassed over $161 million.

Nonetheless, that’s not worth getting too worked up about, considering the sequel had a production budget of $30 million. Perhaps there might be some extra cash lying around to answer the phone one more time. Speaking of underappreciated horror films, check out what’s available for you on Hulu thanks to Kristen Stewart.

ship-launched DragonFire laser systems to China’s anti-drone microwave apparatus. Up to this point, nevertheless, none have created a universal answer, especially in areas with high civilian populations. Consequently, Ukraine and Russia have reverted to analog methods to counter the devastating technology, utilizing nets to capture adversary drones. Hung above roads, hospitals, military assets, and essential infrastructure, the repurposed fishing nets represent a return to basics for global armed forces.

Epson EcoTank ET-2988 is an affordable inkjet printer that replaces standard cartridges with refillable ink containers. It offers a print resolution of up to 4800 x 1200 dpi, and the manufacturer asserts that this will yield vibrant, realistic images and sharp text. Regarding user ratings, Costco customers assigned this Epson printer a score of 3.0 out of 5 stars based on 58 reviews. A number of shoppers appreciated the print quality, but several reviewers encountered Wi-Fi and software problems.

Issues reported include sluggish network connections and interrupted internet access. One user experienced a problem where the printer would essentially “enter sleep mode” and not reactivate, while another noted that the ET-2988 would abruptly cease printing a document partway through. Many users also expressed dissatisfaction with the initial setup, which they found confusing and time-consuming.

At $200, it could be worth considering the ET-2988, particularly since Costco offers a 90-day return policy for most electronics.

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in a discussion with Total Film, he declined the part — and for quite a amusing reason.

Wahlberg states that his background was more grounded, and as a result, he has never really been fond of science-fiction — he noted he had only watched the original “Star Wars” one time. Thus, when he attempted to read the script, it baffled him. “I tried to read the script, I couldn’t grasp the words or conversations or anything, and I said, I couldn’t do this.” Warp speed, Mr. Sulu! Essentially, Wahlberg couldn’t comprehend some of the sci-fi terminology and language, likely because it refers to systems and technology that most outside the genre wouldn’t typically recognize.

Ultimately, it turned out for the best. The 2009 revival of “Star Trek” currently boasts a 94% rating from critics and a 91% rating from viewers. It was also a blockbuster success, earning $257 million domestically and $385 million worldwide on a $150 million budget. Additionally, it led to several sequels, all without Mark Wahlberg. However, he is experiencing some recent success with his comedies alongside Will Ferrell topping the Netflix charts. Although he may not be particularly into sci-fi, he certainly knows how to be a comedic presence. Interestingly, the release of one Ferrell/Wahlberg comedy — “Daddy’s Home” — also faced off against “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” when it was released in theaters.