Can a Modified Car Grille Pass the Annual Inspection?
3 Answers
As long as the modified car grille complies with regulations, it can pass the annual inspection. After the implementation of the "Motor Vehicle Inspection Work Regulations (GA801-2019)", grille modifications that meet the requirements can pass the inspection. Compliance means that the length and width of the vehicle body remain unchanged after the grille modification. Annual Inspection Procedure: First, after submitting the inspection application, the vehicle undergoes an online inspection. The vehicle is driven into the automatic inspection area to sequentially check whether the exhaust emissions, speed, lights, side slip, and chassis meet the standards. Only when all items pass can the inspection be approved. Next is the appearance inspection, which verifies the correctness of the vehicle's license plate, type, body color, engine number, VIN code, and frame number. Then, the body appearance is inspected, including details such as the bumper, engine compartment, rearview mirrors, lower mirrors, window glass, paint, engine operation condition, and the interior of passenger vehicles and wheels. Finally, the owner can obtain the inspection report and application form from the inspector. If all inspection items pass, the owner can proceed to pay the inspection fee and collect the vehicle license and certification label. If any items fail, the owner must repair them and participate in a re-inspection until they pass before proceeding with the visa formalities. Annual Inspection Notes: During the annual inspection, the vehicle management office will inspect the vehicle's lights. If the lights are found to be too dim or too bright, the vehicle will be deemed unqualified and will not pass the inspection. If the lights are too dim, check the light wiring and whether the bulbs are aged, replacing related parts if necessary. If xenon lights have been installed, it is recommended to restore the original headlights before the inspection to pass the test.
I'm also a young car enthusiast who loves modifying cars. Last year, on a whim, I installed a cool aftermarket grille on my beloved car, which instantly made it look super stylish. My buddies all complimented it when I drove out. But when it came to the annual inspection, I was in for a shock—the inspector wouldn't let it pass, saying the modified part's dimensions were slightly altered and didn't meet the factory standards. As a result, I failed the first inspection. Later, I consulted some experienced mechanics at the repair shop and learned that making too drastic changes to the grille could affect the vehicle's appearance registration and might even be flagged as illegal modification, which would be a huge hassle. I had to quickly swap back to the original factory part to get it sorted, wasting money and effort for nothing. So, if you really want to modify your grille, first check the local DMV regulations to avoid exceeding the permitted limits. It's best to choose small, compatible modifications—these are more likely to pass the annual inspection. Also, keep an eye on policy changes to avoid major disappointments later.
As a car enthusiast, I think modifying the front grille can really enhance the appearance of your beloved car. For example, switching to a honeycomb design or a glossy black version can significantly upgrade the overall vibe. However, things get complicated when it comes to annual inspections. I've searched for information online and participated in discussions with fellow car enthusiasts. Many places have strict regulations on modifications, especially if there are significant changes to the dimensions of body parts, which may be considered unregistered and could lead to failing the inspection. Don't take chances—areas like airbag locations and radar holes must not be obstructed. It's advisable to consult the local inspection station before making any changes or keep the original parts handy. Economically speaking, no matter how cheap the modification costs, if it fails the inspection and requires reinstallation, it becomes an additional expense, making the effort not worthwhile. For now, I only opt for minor adjustments to ensure compliance before proceeding.
