Can Modified Interior Pass the Annual Inspection?
2 Answers
Modifying a car's interior can pass the annual inspection. Below is relevant information about vehicle modifications: The "Road Traffic Safety Law" stipulates: No unit or individual may assemble a motor vehicle or alter the registered structure, construction, or characteristics of a motor vehicle without authorization. The structure of a vehicle includes four rigid standards: body color, length, width, and height, as well as the relevant technical parameters of the engine. Vehicle Management Office regulations: Before modifying a licensed vehicle, the owner must register and declare the modification to the Vehicle Management Office. The modification can only proceed after the technical report is reviewed and approved by the office. After completing the modification, the owner must also go to the Vehicle Management Office to complete the modification change procedures. Other regulations: The legality of interior modifications depends on whether the vehicle matches the photo on the vehicle registration certificate and complies with the factory technical parameters. If it does not comply, it will not pass the annual inspection.
My car passed the annual inspection at the DMV in one go after I upgraded to leather seats and a large central control screen. Actually, the principle of interior modifications is that they shouldn’t affect the vehicle’s original structure or safety performance. Things like adding a navigation system, wrapping the steering wheel with a leather cover, or changing the floor mats are all safe and generally won’t cause issues during inspection. However, if you remove the seats to convert them into a bed or cover the dashboard with blinding mirror decorations that reflect light and obstruct your view, that’s definitely not allowed. I recommend checking the requirements list on your local DMV’s official website before making any changes, paying special attention to the fact that seat fixtures and the steering wheel must retain their original factory design, and any modification parts should be from reputable manufacturers. If you’re unsure, the safest approach is to take a few photos of the modifications and consult the DMV directly.
