Can modified front and rear bumpers pass the annual inspection?
2 Answers
Before modifying the front and rear bumpers of a vehicle, approval must be obtained from the vehicle management office. If the modification is carried out after approval and with relevant procedures, it can pass the annual inspection. The specific process of the annual inspection consists of the following 3 steps: 1. After submitting the inspection application, proceed with the online inspection: drive the vehicle into the automatic inspection area to sequentially check whether the exhaust, speed, lights, and chassis meet the standards. All items must pass to proceed; 2. Exterior inspection, verify the vehicle license plate, type, etc.: also need to inspect the exterior of the vehicle, including details such as the bumpers, engine compartment, rearview mirrors, lower mirrors, window glass, paint, engine operation status, and the interior of passenger cars and wheels; 3. Obtain the inspection report and application form from the inspector: if all inspection items pass, you can proceed to pay the inspection fee and collect the vehicle license and qualification label; if there are any failed items, the owner must make repairs and participate in a re-inspection until all items pass before proceeding with the visa procedures.
Whether modified front and rear bumpers can pass the annual inspection is indeed a good question. From my own modification experience, it's quite complicated. I once replaced my car's rear bumper with a cool carbon fiber one, thinking it wouldn't be a problem to make minor changes. However, during last year's annual inspection, I was directly rejected. The inspector said the height and shape of the bumper had changed, weakening the original crash absorption effect. This not only violates safety standards but also requires filing with the DMV for re-registration. Now I've learned my lesson—before modifying, I first check the original factory specifications to ensure the bumper's material and dimensions remain unchanged, then complete the filing procedures. Otherwise, the annual inspection won't pass, and I might even be fined a few hundred bucks. Honestly, while modifications look stylish, they're costly and time-consuming. If you want to avoid hassle, it's best not to make random changes, especially those exaggerated modifications that could lead to accident troubles.
