Do I Need to Report Adding a Spoiler to My Car?
2 Answers
Adding a spoiler to a car is considered an exterior modification and requires reporting to the traffic management department. If a car owner installs a spoiler without reporting it, the public security and traffic management department will legally impound the vehicle, confiscate the illegal device, order the restoration of the original condition, and impose a fine according to the law. Below is an introduction regarding modifications: 1. Factory Modifications: This refers to cars that are customized by the automobile manufacturer before or after leaving the factory, based on personalized requirements, with varying models and configurations. These modifications have already been inspected and approved by the manufacturer and are installed as complete vehicles. 2. Modification Requires Application: For registered motor vehicles, it is not allowed to arbitrarily change the registered structure, construction, or characteristics. Car owners who indeed need to modify their vehicles must first apply for record filing at the vehicle management office before proceeding with the modifications.
I've reviewed quite a few regulatory documents regarding whether adding a rear spoiler to a car requires filing. China's vehicle management regulations clearly state: any modification that alters a vehicle's appearance, height, or performance must be registered with the vehicle management office. If a spoiler is installed and protrudes too high above the roof or affects the vehicle's silhouette, it must be reported. Failure to do so can lead to serious consequences: traffic police may impose fines of several hundred yuan during roadside checks, the vehicle may fail annual inspections, and you might even have to remove it and start over. Additionally, insurance is crucial—if modifications aren't filed, insurers may deny claims after an accident, which is a significant risk. While adding a spoiler can improve high-speed stability, it must be done legally and safely. I recommend checking with your local vehicle management office first, bringing along invoices and photos of the modifications. In short, don’t ignore the rules for the sake of style—filing is for everyone’s safety.
