Can Modified Wheels Pass the Annual Inspection?
2 Answers
As long as the modifications comply with traffic regulations, modified wheels can pass the annual inspection. The size and specifications of the new wheels must match those of the original factory wheels, but the style can be changed. For example, if the original wheel specifications are 16 inches with a J-value of 5.5, the new wheels must also have the same specifications. Additionally, after the modification, you should register the changes with the vehicle management office within 10 days. Failure to do so may result in penalties from traffic police. Once the vehicle management office staff have inspected the modifications, you can obtain a new vehicle registration certificate and use the vehicle normally. Vehicles with any of the following conditions must undergo the necessary procedures before they can be inspected: Vehicles whose condition does not match the details on the registration certificate or in the records; vehicles with damaged, incomplete, or illegible license plates or registration certificates, or those with self-made license plates; vehicles with modifications, alterations, or technical transformations that have not undergone approval and change procedures; vehicles that have not been marked with the required unit name and enlarged license plate characters; vehicles that do not have alarms or indicator lights installed as required; vehicles that have not paid the required road maintenance fees or insurance.
Let me give you some real talk from an experienced driver - whether changing rims can pass the annual inspection really depends on the specific situation. In my ten years at the repair shop, I've seen too many cases that failed. There are three key points: whether the rim size exceeds the original factory specifications (tires protruding from the body or rubbing against fenders will definitely fail); overly exaggerated rim styles with sharp edges will absolutely be rejected; tire parameters must match the original factory registration. I remember one time we had to do emergency work for a client, swapping back to original rims overnight just to pass inspection. My sincere advice is to check your local DMV regulations before modifying, and filing the modification is the safest approach.
