Does commercial vehicle interior modification require approval from the DMV?
3 Answers
Interior modifications to vehicles do not require filing with the DMV as long as they do not affect safety or license plate identification. According to the "Motor Vehicle Registration Regulations": Article 15: Under any of the following circumstances, modification registration will not be processed: (1) Changing the brand, model, or engine type of the motor vehicle, except for engines that are optionally installed with permission from the State Council's motor vehicle product authority; (2) Changing the registered appearance and technical data of the motor vehicle, unless otherwise stipulated by laws, regulations, or national mandatory standards. Automotive interior modifications: In fact, the interior is the area with the highest tolerance for vehicle modifications. Whether it's changing the color of car seats, upgrading the center console, or replacing interior parts with high-end materials like carbon fiber, all are acceptable—provided that the vehicle's internal structure is not altered, such as illegally increasing the number of seats, which is strictly prohibited. Otherwise, if caught while driving, you may face fines and penalty points.
Whether you need to go to the vehicle management office for modifying the interior of a business car actually depends on what parts you are changing. If you are just making small changes like replacing leather seats, changing the interior color, or adding ambient lighting, there is no need to visit the vehicle management office. However, if you alter the seat layout, such as changing from 7 seats to 4 seats or installing aviation seats, then you must go for registration. The vehicle management office primarily oversees modifications related to the vehicle's structure and safety. Removing seats without authorization will be considered illegal modification, which may result in failing the annual inspection and even fines. I know a friend who modified a business car by removing the rear seats to turn it into a camper van, only to have the car impounded during a roadside check and later had to spend money to restore it. Therefore, it's best to check the "Motor Vehicle Registration Regulations" before making any changes to avoid unnecessary trouble.
I've been into commercial van modifications for several years, and whether interior modifications need to be registered depends on the situation. Common modifications like changing the flooring, installing small tables, or upgrading the audio system usually don't attract attention. However, if you alter the number or arrangement of seats, such as converting bench seats into independent aviation-style seats, you must go to the vehicle management office for modification registration. Last week, I just helped a fellow car enthusiast modify a Mercedes-Benz V-Class, changing it from the original 9-seater to a 6-seater with massage functions, and we made a special trip to the vehicle management office. The process is quite simple: bring the vehicle license and registration certificate, and the staff will inspect the vehicle to confirm the modifications meet standards before updating the documents. Remember, changes to the vehicle's exterior color also need to be registered, but interior color changes do not.
