Can a car pass the annual inspection if the front grille is modified?
3 Answers
If the front grille of a car is modified and the modification is registered in advance with the vehicle management office, and the photo on the vehicle registration certificate is also updated accordingly, the car can pass the annual inspection. However, if the modification is not registered in advance with the vehicle management office and the photo on the vehicle registration certificate is not updated, the car will not pass the annual inspection. Under the following circumstances, no change registration is required as long as the safety and identification of the license plate are not affected: 1. Case one: Small and micro passenger cars are equipped with front and rear anti-collision devices. 2. Case two: Cargo vehicles are equipped with windshields, water tanks, toolboxes, spare tire racks, etc. 3. Case three: Interior decorations are added to the vehicle.
I once got stuck at the DMV annual inspection after modifying my grille. Here's my experience: as long as the original emblem isn't blocked and its position isn't altered, it usually passes. My honeycomb grille kept the OEM emblem position, and the inspector just glanced before stamping approval. But a friend who replaced the emblem with a leopard head got instantly rejected. Light modifications are trickier - those with added LED light strips all failed. Avoid altering bumper shapes as it counts as changing vehicle characteristics. Best to consult local DMV with photos before modding - standards vary by region. Keeping a spare OEM grille is safest. While paying agents can get it passed, it's not worth it.
Our repair shop handles modified cars every day. The key points for annual inspections are: the car emblem must be in the original factory size, avoid adding dazzling reflective strips to the grille, and don't displace the license plate frame. Last week, a customer installed an all-black grille with a smaller emblem, and it took three re-inspections to pass. If you tamper with the position of the headlight washer nozzles, it's 100% guaranteed to fail. Aluminum alloy grilles are easier to pass inspection than plastic ones, but avoid flashy color schemes. The safest approach is to drive directly to the inspection station for a pre-check after modifications. Spend 50 yuan to have the inspector point out what needs adjustment on the spot, saving you the hassle of waiting in line for nothing.
