Does Adding a Rear Spoiler Require Registration?
2 Answers
Adding a rear spoiler requires registration as it is considered a modification to the vehicle's exterior. If the spoiler is installed without proper registration, the traffic police department may impound the vehicle, confiscate the illegal modification, order restoration to the original condition, and impose penalties in accordance with the law. After the modification is completed, the vehicle's registration certificate must be updated with a new photo to reflect the changes, ensuring the vehicle can pass annual inspections and routine safety checks. The key requirement for installing a rear spoiler is that it must not exceed the overall dimensions of the vehicle. Rear spoilers are part of aerodynamic design, helping to increase downforce during high-speed driving, thereby improving stability. Additionally, a well-designed spoiler can reduce air resistance, contributing to better fuel efficiency to some extent.
I've modified my rear wing myself, and this definitely requires registration. According to our motor vehicle registration regulations, external additions like rear wings that alter the vehicle's appearance must be registered. If caught on the road or discovered during annual inspection without registration, not only will you have to remove it, but you may also face fines. Last year when I installed a small ducktail spoiler, I took my vehicle documents to the DMV to file the modification. The staff inspected the spoiler's dimensions and installation on-site, and after confirming it met safety standards, they took new photos and issued an updated registration certificate. The whole process took about two hours. Nowadays, I see many cars on the road with exaggerated rear wings installed haphazardly, some even using low-quality double-sided tape that wobbles when braking. These definitely won't pass inspection and can affect braking distance. It's much better to choose an OEM-style spoiler and register it properly.
