
Modifying a motorcycle with a short tail will result in a deduction of 12 points. Below is relevant information about modifying a motorcycle with a short tail: It is an illegal act: Modifying a motorcycle with a short tail alters the motorcycle's shape and structure, making it different from the appearance on the original vehicle registration certificate. If not registered in advance, it constitutes illegal modification and will fail the annual inspection. Illegal modifications: Modifications to the vehicle's main performance parameters and easily identifiable features are considered illegal and are not permitted by law. Examples include: engine displacement; body color; installing flashing lights; enlarging the exhaust pipe; adding a brake horn that sounds when braking; replacing the original motorcycle horn with a multi-tone horn, installing a subwoofer, and other illegal modifications are not allowed by law.

As a veteran rider with nearly thirty years of motorcycle experience, I've seen too many cases of short-tail modifications. When I was young, I also went for the cool look and chopped the tail, only to be pulled over by traffic police right after hitting the road, resulting in an immediate six-point deduction. Now that regulations have been updated, the penalties are even harsher—illegal modifications typically start with a six-point deduction, and if deemed a major safety hazard, it could mean a full twelve-point deduction, putting your license in jeopardy. I still remember an old buddy who got injured in a crash after modifying his bike—short tails affect balance, making it easier to lose control in curves. My advice to everyone: don’t prioritize style or speed over safety. Losing points is minor, but one accident can lead to a lifetime of regret. Regular bike checks and legal modifications are the way to go.

As a cautious car owner, I always worry about getting penalty points before making any modifications. Regarding shortening the tail, I consulted a traffic police friend—illegal modifications can cost you 6 to 12 points, depending on the location and severity. For example, if you modify without registration, it might be a lighter penalty of 6 points; but if it’s found to affect braking, the penalty could go up to 12 points. It’s not just about the points—your annual inspection will definitely fail, and repairs will cost even more. I suggest riders first check local regulations online or consult the DMV for legal ways—registered modifications won’t incur points. Don’t be like my neighbor, who impulsively modified his bike, got checked constantly, and had to painfully revert it while losing his license points.

I work as a mechanic at an auto shop and hear people complain about getting penalized for short-tail modifications every day. Typically, traffic police catch them on the spot, and a six-point deduction is considered lenient—more severe cases can result in a full twelve-point penalty. What's worse is the safety issue: shortening the wheelbase with a short-tail makes the bike prone to skidding during braking or turning, drastically increasing the accident rate. Last time, a young guy fractured his bones after modifying his bike and deeply regretted it. Penalty points are a warning—losing your life isn't worth it. I advise riders not to modify recklessly or to go to reputable shops for safe parts and ensure proper registration to avoid fines.


