Can the Modified Body Kit of Mercedes-Benz GLC Be Driven on the Road?
4 Answers
Changing the body color, model, performance, purpose, and structure of a licensed motor vehicle, or replacing the frame, body, or engine requires the owner to apply for modification registration with the vehicle management office. The vehicle can be driven on the road only after the registration is approved. Illegal modifications: Modifications such as altering vehicle tires and rims, adding spoilers, lights, exhaust pipes, etc., are considered illegal modifications. These must be restored to their original condition to pass inspection. Additionally, penalties such as fines and license suspension may be imposed. Legal basis: According to Article 97 of the Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China: No unit or individual may assemble a motor vehicle or alter the registered structure, construction, or characteristics of a motor vehicle without authorization.
I've specialized in car modification for many years, and this issue needs to be viewed from two aspects. First, regarding regulations, the state has clear stipulations: modifications cannot alter the vehicle's length or width, and must not obstruct the license plate. As long as modifying the bumper on a Mercedes GLC stays within these limits, it's legal. However, enforcement standards vary significantly across regions—strict in cities like Shenzhen and Shanghai, while smaller towns may be more lenient. Second, safety is crucial. I've seen cases where poor-quality bumpers cracked on highways, so it's essential to choose polyurethane material products. I recommend going to a reputable modification shop for the work. After modification, be sure to register the exterior changes with the vehicle management office within seven days to avoid issues during annual inspections. Remember to keep all invoices and quality certificates for the modified parts; this documentation can clarify matters if you're stopped for inspection on the road.
After repairing cars for over 20 years, what I fear most are those haphazardly modified vehicles. Luxury cars like the Mercedes-Benz GLC have meticulously designed factory aerodynamic layouts, and altering the body kit can disrupt the undercarriage airflow. Last week, a GLC with an excessively wide body kit came in, and it started to feel unstable at just 80 km/h. Truly reliable modifications must meet three criteria: the body kit must have an E-mark certification, the ground clearance after modification should not be less than 12 cm, and all protruding parts must have rounded edges. I recommend prioritizing original factory sport kits—they're more expensive but offer perfect compatibility. Honestly, those aggressive styles with front splitters and rear diffusers should be abandoned early on; eight out of ten get pulled over by traffic police.
Our car club has over 300 Mercedes-Benz owners, and here's some practical experience. Minor modifications are road-legal: swapping to an AMG-style grille and adding side skirts is completely fine—my car has been like this for three years without any issues. But never alter the wheel arch width; last year, Lao Wang's car was ordered to be restored to original and fined 500 RMB. The key is choosing the right color—stick to the factory shades of black, white, or gray for safety, as fluorescent colors will 100% attract police attention. Here’s a lesser-known tip: after modifying, it’s best to take 360-degree panoramic photos and save them on your phone as proof of no critical dimension changes in case of disputes. Finally, a reminder: when selling a used car, modifications don’t add value and might even lower the price.
