Can a modified Wrangler be legally driven on the road?
2 Answers
Modified Wranglers cannot be driven on the road, and the relevant explanations are as follows: 1. Introduction: According to formal legal provisions, modifications and additions are illegal. Although vehicles with minor modifications may pass annual inspections and insurance checks through certain internal methods, modifications still exist in a gray area. 2. Modification scopes that prevent a Wrangler from passing annual inspections: Installing a turbocharger to modify engine power, although it improves performance, creates significant safety hazards for driving; privately modifying wheel rims is illegal and will result in failure during annual inspections as it affects the vehicle's integrity; some installations involve removing the original bumper to fit 'body kits' instead of attaching them to the existing bumper.
Last time I specifically researched the modification regulations, there are clear thresholds for modified off-road vehicles like ours to be road-legal. Firstly, the original engine model and chassis number must be retained, and the chassis lift cannot exceed 3cm. Here's the key point: modified components like bumpers, side steps, and roof racks must bear the CCC certification mark, while lighting must comply with GB4785 brightness standards. The most common violation I've seen involves alloy wheels - exceeding ±15mm ET value offset is illegal, and increasing tire outer diameter by over 1.5% is also prohibited. Remember to visit the DMV within 10 days after modification with the workshop's qualification certificate to update registration - the modification section in the green vehicle booklet will be re-stamped. Most importantly, never let the spare tire carrier obstruct the rear license plate - a fellow enthusiast got 12 penalty points for this last year.
