Is Filing Required for Replacing the Grille Headlights?

[EthanDella]

Replacing the grille headlights requires filing. Modifying the grille headlights is considered altering the vehicle's appearance, necessitating filing with the vehicle management office and updating the driving license photo. Relevant regulations: Article 10 of the "Motor Vehicle Registration Regulations" stipulates that if a registered motor vehicle undergoes any of the following changes—altering the body color, replacing the engine, replacing the body or frame, or replacing the entire vehicle due to quality issues—the vehicle owner must apply for a modification registration with the local vehicle management office. Automotive Grille: Generally, the automotive grille is located below the front bumper, in front of the wheels to allow ventilation for the cabin, or on the rear trunk lid. The grille often serves as a distinctive design element, with many brands using it as a primary brand identifier.

[DeLaura]

I once replaced the grille and headlights, and my personal experience tells you this must be done with caution. If modifying the grille involves changing the logo or making significant alterations to the appearance, you absolutely must file for approval. The same goes for headlights—if you switch to extremely bright LEDs or unusual colors, traffic police will spot it immediately. I once installed a blacked-out grille and blue headlights, only to be told by the vehicle management office that the appearance didn’t match the original factory photos, forcing me to revert to the original setup. Later, I properly filed for approval—the process wasn’t too difficult, just bring your vehicle license and ID for a new photo. When it comes to car modifications, safety and legality are paramount. Don’t cut corners and create trouble for yourself.

[OLane]

After being in the modification scene for so long, I've seen too many car owners stumble over the registration process. If you're just changing the grille to the same color, it's not a big deal; but if you switch to a honeycomb design or one with LED strips, 90% of the time you'll need to register it. Modifying headlights with lenses or exceeding 6000K in color temperature also requires re-registration according to regulations. Many beginners think minor changes don't matter, only to regret it when they fail the annual inspection. My advice is to check your local DMV requirements before making any modifications—some cities even require registration for adding a chrome strip to the grille frame. The key is to keep your modification list and certificates handy for registration to save yourself multiple trips.

[Jodie]

We young car enthusiasts usually modify first and think about registration later, but whether to register really depends on the situation. Last time I installed a carbon fiber grille that looked similar to the OEM one, so I didn't register it. As for the headlights, I directly upgraded to the factory high-end version - the brightness improvement isn't illegal. It's been half a year now, and I haven't been stopped for inspection. However, I've heard that if your headlights have sequential turn signals or if the grille size changes significantly, you must go through the registration process. My advice is not to go too extreme with modifications, like installing pink headlights or an oversized grille, as that will definitely draw attention. If you're unsure, the safest approach is to take photos and consult with the modification shop owner.