Can a modified hood be registered?

[VonLeonardo]

Modified hood can be registered. Reasons why a modified hood can be registered: As long as the vehicle is not assembled or the registered structure, construction, or characteristics of the vehicle are altered without authorization, the structure of the vehicle, including the body color, length, width, height (four rigid standards), and relevant technical parameters of the engine can be registered. Modified vehicles: Cars that have been modified are collectively referred to as modified vehicles. When modifying a licensed vehicle, it is necessary to register and declare the modification to the vehicle management office. The modification technical report must be reviewed and approved by the vehicle management office before the modification can proceed. After the modification is completed, the modification change procedures must be completed at the vehicle management office. Changes to the appearance of the vehicle require an application to the vehicle management department, and the driving license must be updated promptly. Only then can the modified vehicle be legally driven.

[Carol]

I once modified my car by replacing the hood with a carbon fiber one, and it took several trips to the DMV to get it sorted. The key to making such modifications legally registered depends on what exactly you change. If it's just a material swap with no alterations to the shape or color, registration usually isn't required. But if you modify the shape, like adding air intakes or creating exaggerated bulges, you must go to the DMV to update the registration. Last time, I brought the vehicle registration certificate, ID, and a certificate from the modification shop. The staff checked on-site that the hood's height protrusion didn't exceed 10cm before approving it. I recommend checking local policies in advance—some places won't approve even a hood color change if it doesn't match the original. The registration fee is cheap, just a few dozen yuan, but forgetting to register could lead to fines and points if caught by traffic police.

[MacDylan]

Last time I accompanied my friend to the DMV for modification registration, his Civic with a modified hood almost failed inspection. Actually, the regulations are quite clear: hood modifications fall into two categories. The first is replacing with OEM-style parts, like swapping a standard steel hood for an aluminum one of the same design, which requires no registration and can be driven directly. The second is aesthetic modifications, such as adding shark gill vents or double-layered hoods, which must go through the modification registration process. The key is to keep all modification receipts, especially the certification from the modification shop. The DMV mainly checks three points: whether the hood dimensions exceed standards, if the installation is secure, and if the light reflectivity meets safety requirements. Unregistered vehicles not only fail annual inspections but may also be required to restore to original condition if caught during roadside checks.

[SanRiver]

Just consulted a friend who works in car modifications, and he said that hood registration depends on the specific situation. If you only replaced it with an aftermarket part of the same size, like an OEM-style hood bought from Taobao, there's no need to register it at all. But for modifications like racing-style flip-up hoods or those with ventilation holes, you definitely need to go through the procedures. The key is to take a 45-degree photo of the vehicle after modification and compare it with the photo on the vehicle license. If it looks obviously different, you’ll have to visit the DMV. Remember to bring the compulsory insurance policy and the modification invoice, and the modified parts must comply with the GB7258 safety standards. Don’t believe online claims that minor modifications won’t be checked—nowadays, traffic police can directly compare vehicle appearance data using handheld terminals.