Can a one-inch larger wheel hub pass the annual inspection?
3 Answers
Wheel hubs that are one inch larger cannot pass the annual inspection. Here is the relevant information about motor vehicle inspection: 1. Application for modification registration: According to the current provisions of the "Motor Vehicle Registration Regulations," any changes to the body color, model, performance, purpose, or structure of a licensed motor vehicle, including replacing the frame, body, or engine, must be reported to the vehicle management office for modification registration. 2. Unauthorized modifications are not allowed: Adding spoilers, extensive body kits, modifying exhaust pipes, etc., are generally not permitted. National regulations on vehicle modifications stipulate the following situations where modification registration will not be approved: changing the brand, model, or engine type of the motor vehicle (unless the engine is an optional accessory approved by the national motor vehicle product authority); altering the registered appearance and technical data of the motor vehicle.
I had previously changed my rims to a larger size, but during last year's inspection, I got stuck right away. The inspector spent a long time measuring with a ruler and said the parameters didn't match those on the vehicle registration certificate, classifying it as illegal modification, and rejected it on the spot. I had no choice but to switch back to the original ones and go for another inspection, wasting several days. Actually, many people overlook how rim size affects the suspension system. Larger rims with thinner tires put extra strain on braking and shock absorption. Nowadays, inspections are getting stricter, especially after the new regulations, where wheelbase and tire pressure must match the registered data. My advice to those who want to change their rims is to either report the modification to the DMV in advance to update the registration certificate or simply leave them untouched. Even if you pass the inspection, don't forget about safety—larger rims make bumps more noticeable and increase the risk of slipping in rainy conditions.
I often repair cars and notice many car owners asking whether larger rims can pass the annual inspection. According to the standards, the vehicle management office mainly checks if hard indicators like rim diameter and tire width match the registered specifications. A one-inch difference usually won’t pass, especially if the modification is too noticeable. Common issues with larger rims include increased tire noise and altered steering sensitivity. The annual inspection also tests lighting and brake balance, and oversized rims may overload the brake discs. To be safe, it’s best not to modify. If you must, submit the required documents to the vehicle management office first, along with compliance proof. When selecting rims, consider matching the J-value and ET-value to the original specs—otherwise, you might fail the inspection and have to revert to stock rims, wasting money.
