Do I need to report to the vehicle management office for installing a roof rack?
2 Answers
Yes, here are the relevant details: For detachable roof racks: Installing a roof rack may affect the vehicle's annual inspection. If you install a detachable roof rack, you can avoid the hassle of paperwork by removing and restoring it during the inspection, then reinstalling it afterward. For fixed roof racks: If you install a fixed roof rack, you must follow the regulations and complete the necessary procedures. The owner can directly go to the vehicle management office within 10 days after the modification to complete the change registration. The vehicle management office will process the relevant procedures on the same day, including noting the changes in the vehicle registration certificate, reclaiming the vehicle license, and issuing a new one.
As someone who's been driving for over a decade, I can weigh in on roof rack installations. Do you need to register roof racks with the DMV? It really depends. By regulation, racks exceeding 30cm in height generally require modification registration—just bring your ID and vehicle license. Otherwise, you might fail annual inspections or get hit with a 200-yuan fine on the road, which isn't worth it. Last time I installed a low-profile rack (measured under 30cm), I skipped registration and passed inspection easily. But oversized racks must be registered—safety is key too: poorly secured racks increase wind resistance and could detach on bumpy roads, risking injury or damage. Bottom line: measure carefully, choose reputable brands, and save yourself the hassle.
