Is Adding a Rear Wing Considered Illegal Modification?
2 Answers
Adding a rear wing to a car is considered illegal modification. Here is the relevant information about car modifications: 1. Laws and regulations: According to Article 16, Item 1 of the "Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China," no unit or individual may assemble a motor vehicle or alter the registered structure, construction, or characteristics of a motor vehicle without authorization. 2. Penalty conditions: If an exaggeratedly large rear wing is installed without filing with the vehicle management department, once discovered by traffic police, it will result in point deduction and a fine, typically 2 points deducted and a fine of 200 yuan. For illegally modified vehicles, the public security traffic management department will not issue a safety technical inspection qualification mark. If it constitutes a violation of public security management, the public security authorities will impose penalties such as fines or detention in accordance with the relevant provisions of the "Public Security Administration Punishment Law."
Many of my friends have added spoilers to their cars, but whether it counts as illegal modification depends on the local regulations. Legally, China's automotive management laws clearly stipulate that modifications to the vehicle's exterior, such as adding a spoiler, require prior registration or approval. Otherwise, it may be deemed an illegal modification, and traffic police can impose fines or even order the vehicle to be restored to its original condition. Enforcement varies significantly by region—some cities are stricter, for example, limiting spoiler height to maintain the original car's proportions to avoid affecting aerodynamic drag coefficients and safety tests, while smaller towns may be more lenient. It's advisable to check local traffic regulations or consult the vehicle management office before proceeding. Don't risk trouble for novelty's sake, as non-compliant modifications could affect annual inspections and insurance claims. From a practical standpoint, a professionally designed spoiler can slightly improve high-speed stability, but average car owners needn't take the risk. In my experience, consulting beforehand avoids future hassles. Ultimately, doing thorough research before deciding is far more cost-effective than dealing with consequences later.
