Does Changing the Front Grille Affect Annual Inspection?
2 Answers
Changing the front grille before registering a new vehicle does not affect the annual inspection. Below are relevant details about changing the front grille: 1. Specific circumstances: If the front grille is changed after registering the new vehicle, it is necessary to go to the vehicle management office for re-registration and updating the vehicle license; otherwise, it will affect the annual inspection. 2. Relevant regulations: The following situations will not be eligible for modification registration: (1) Changing the brand, model, or engine type of the vehicle, except for engines permitted by the national automotive product authority; (2) Altering the registered appearance and technical data of the vehicle, unless otherwise specified by laws, regulations, or national mandatory standards.
I've changed the front grille several times, and each annual inspection went smoothly because the exterior dimensions didn't change much, sticking to the original factory style. The core of the annual inspection lies in the vehicle's safety performance, such as brakes, lighting, and emissions. If the grille modification only involves minor adjustments to the style without affecting structural safety, inspection stations usually turn a blind eye. However, if the modification is more extreme, like increasing the size or adding extra light bars, it might be considered illegal modification, and the DMV may require restoring it to the original condition before passing the inspection. I recommend checking the original car manual before making any changes to ensure the new grille matches the brand specifications; if necessary, have it installed by a professional shop and keep the receipt for potential strict inspections. Last year, my neighbor's car had a flashy grille replacement and got held up during the annual inspection—it took time to revert to the original before passing. It's really something to plan ahead to avoid trouble.
