Can a car pass the annual inspection after installing a small body kit?
2 Answers
Installing a small body kit on a car can pass the annual inspection, but it requires approval from the traffic management department. According to the relevant provisions of the motor vehicle registration regulations, any changes to the body color, model, performance, purpose, or structure of a licensed motor vehicle, as well as the replacement of the frame, body, or engine, must be reported to the vehicle management office for registration modification. Car modification refers to altering the external appearance, interior design, and mechanical performance of the original vehicle manufactured by the automaker, based on the owner's needs, and mainly includes two types: body modification and performance modification.
As a long-time car enthusiast who modifies vehicles, I'd like to share some insights: Installing small body kits can indeed affect your vehicle's annual inspection pass rate. In most regions of mainland China, exterior modifications require filing with the vehicle management office, otherwise they're considered illegal modifications. Small body kits alter the original vehicle silhouette, potentially exceeding width limits or reducing ground clearance, which can cause issues during inspections. I've seen friends fail inspections due to lack of proper documentation, having to remove the kits to pass. Daily driving might also attract inspections; I recommend consulting local traffic authorities before modifying, submitting applications to ensure modifications are safe and compliant. Additionally, requirements vary by vehicle type - imported cars might have looser standards, while domestic vehicles face stricter scrutiny. Ultimately, don't risk temporary aesthetics - proper documentation is the right approach, or you'll end up wasting money unnecessarily.
