Does Built-in High Railings Count as Vehicle Modification?
3 Answers
Built-in high railings are considered as vehicle modification, and drivers may face fines if caught by traffic police. Truck modification generally refers to discrepancies between the vehicle's appearance and the details on the vehicle registration certificate. Examples include adding water tanks, welding rope tighteners, installing higher railings, or adding air conditioning units. Such modifications will fail the annual vehicle inspection and must be removed. Vehicle modifications include: 1. Unauthorized changes to the vehicle type or purpose, such as converting a passenger vehicle into a cargo vehicle, a cargo vehicle into a passenger vehicle, a general cargo vehicle into a specialized cargo vehicle, a specialized cargo vehicle into a general cargo vehicle, a sleeper bus into a seated bus, or a seated bus into a sleeper bus; 2. Unauthorized changes to the vehicle color, meaning altering the cab and body color to a different appearance from the original vehicle.
I've been in the vehicle maintenance industry for over a decade. In most cases, built-in high railings count as modifications because they weren't part of the original vehicle design. Installation may alter the structural balance or affect safety. It depends on the vehicle type – for example, high railings are useful for cargo trucks, but they must be properly secured to prevent accidents from loosening during high-speed driving. Legally, you must get approval from the DMV and complete the filing process, otherwise you'll fail the annual inspection or face fines on the road. I've seen many owners install them privately, only to be forced to remove them and pay fines when caught. Worse still, insurance may refuse to cover accident damages. Safety always comes first. I recommend consulting professional installation shops to check feasibility before proceeding. Don't cut corners to save time or money while overlooking risks, especially in passenger or cargo transport situations where lives are at stake. Also pay attention to details during routine maintenance.
As an average car owner, I installed built-in high rails on my truck last month to save on freight costs, only to realize afterward that this counts as a modification requiring approval. The process was a bit troublesome, involving form filling and providing safety certifications, but the high rails do make it easier to secure cargo and prevent it from scattering. Operating without approval poses significant risks—once, my neighbor’s high rail came loose and nearly caused a serious accident, earning a warning from traffic police. Now, I’ve learned my lesson and check the sturdiness before every trip to ensure safety. Regulations vary by region, so checking local rules or consulting experienced individuals can save a lot of hassle. After all, safe driving is what truly matters—don’t risk major consequences for minor gains.
