Do I need to report the installation of a roof rack on an SUV?
3 Answers
Legislation clearly stipulates that the installation of a roof rack requires registration and filing. Below is relevant information regarding the installation of roof racks: 1. Article 10 of the "Regulations on the Registration of Motor Vehicles": For a registered motor vehicle under any of the following circumstances, the owner of the motor vehicle shall apply to the vehicle management office at the place of registration for modification registration: (1) Changing the body color; (2) Replacing the engine; (3) Replacing the body or frame; (4) Replacing the entire vehicle due to quality issues. 2. Timely modification registration: If the motor vehicle is owned by two or more persons and there is a need to change the registered owner's name to another owner's name, an application for modification registration can be made to the vehicle management office at the place of registration. The owner of the motor vehicle shall apply to the vehicle management office for modification registration within ten days after the modification; Before applying for transfer, the owner of the motor vehicle shall resolve all road traffic violations and accidents related to the vehicle.
I've been driving an SUV for several years and installed a roof rack myself. From what I understand, in most places, this needs to be reported because it alters the vehicle's exterior height. For example, in China, according to the motor vehicle registration regulations, after installing a roof rack, you need to register it with the vehicle management office. Otherwise, it might be considered an illegal modification, leading to failed annual inspections or even fines. I've gone through the process once—just bring your ID and vehicle registration certificate. The procedure isn't too complicated and costs just a few dozen yuan. Safety is also a concern; if the roof rack isn't securely installed, it could fly off on the highway, which would be a major problem. I recommend checking local regulations before installation and not skipping the reporting process for convenience—it's better for peace of mind in the long run.
As a veteran driver with over two decades of experience, I've seen many car owners suffer consequences for installing roof racks without proper registration. Mounting such accessories on SUV rooftops typically requires official filing since it alters the vehicle's structural parameters. Registering with the DMV system helps avoid future troubles like being pulled over for inspection or encountering issues during annual reviews. I recall a friend who got fined 500 yuan plus penalty points two years ago for failing to register. While roof racks are practical, the process must be standardized: choose OEM or certified accessories, ensure secure installation without overloading. Ultimately, these regulations exist for safety – don't skip the advance registration to save temporary hassle.
