Can a car pass the annual inspection after changing from 16-inch to 17-inch wheels?
2 Answers
Changing from 16-inch to 17-inch wheels will not pass the annual inspection. The reasons are as follows: 1. Legal: According to the current provisions of the "Motor Vehicle Registration Regulations," any modifications to the body color, model, performance, purpose, or structure of a licensed motor vehicle, including replacing the frame, body, or engine, must be reported to the vehicle management office for registration changes. Installing spoilers, body kits, or modifying exhaust systems are generally not allowed. Before modifying a vehicle, the detailed modification plan must be submitted to the traffic management department for review. Only after approval can the modifications be legally carried out, and they must also be approved by the transportation department. 2. Safety: Forcing the installation of 17-inch wheels will result in significantly reduced interaction forces between the tires and wheels, both longitudinally and laterally. Longitudinally, during braking or acceleration, the tires and wheels may rotate relative to each other. Laterally, during turns, the tires are highly prone to detaching from the wheels, which is extremely dangerous.
I've seen many cases of wheel rim modifications on cars. If you replace 16-inch rims with 17-inch ones, it's highly likely to fail the annual inspection because the vehicle parameters won't match the factory records, and inspectors will spot the discrepancy immediately. Regulations vary significantly across regions—some cities allow minor modifications but require supporting documentation. Safety is another concern: larger rims may increase braking distance, reduce stability, and potentially affect the ABS system. My advice is to thoroughly check local DMV rules before proceeding and consult a professional technician to confirm feasibility. Don't prioritize aesthetics over safety—failing inspections and heightened risks aren't worth it. For genuine performance upgrades, focusing on chassis maintenance or tire material upgrades is more practical and safer than rim modifications.
