Is filing required for retrofitting an older model with a new front face?
4 Answers
Filing is required. Below is the relevant content introduction: Specific situation: Modifying the appearance of an older model car to a newer version is a legal act as long as it is registered with the vehicle management office; if it is not registered, it is considered an illegal act. Other scenarios: According to Article 10 of the "Motor Vehicle Registration Regulations," registered motor vehicles must apply for modification registration with the local vehicle management office in the following situations: changing the body color; replacing the engine; replacing the body or frame; replacing the entire vehicle due to quality issues; changing the use nature from commercial to non-commercial or vice versa; or when the motor vehicle owner's residence moves out of or into the jurisdiction of the vehicle management office.
I’ve considered this before—upgrading the front fascia of an older car to match the newer model’s design is indeed appealing and stylish, but it requires official registration. Why? Because a car is registered property, and any modifications to its exterior or structure, especially core areas like the front fascia, may alter its identifying features, such as license plate placement or body contours. In China, according to the机动车登记规定 (Vehicle Registration Regulations), such significant changes must be reported to the DMV for modification procedures. Otherwise, it’s considered illegal retrofitting. I’ve checked the laws—traffic police can impose fines, and in severe cases, the car may fail annual inspections or even void insurance coverage. The process isn’t complicated: bring your vehicle license, ID, and car photos to the local DMV, fill out an application, and they’ll inspect the car for safety and compliance. It usually takes 1–2 hours and costs a few dozen yuan. Remember, consult a professional shop before modifying to avoid wasted effort.
I have a friend who replaced the ugly front grille of his old car with a cool new one, only to be stopped by traffic police a few months later because he hadn't filed the modification. He then spent half a day at the DMV sorting it out and finally got it approved. Actually, filing modifications to a car's appearance is a basic rule. Upgrading an old front grille to a new one might make the vehicle look different from its original state, which can easily cause misunderstandings—for example, an inspector might flag it during the annual inspection if it doesn't match the records. I suggest you first take photos for comparison, then contact the DMV to ask about the details. The cost isn't high, but it does take some time. If the modification affects safety components, like changing the position of the lights, you might also need an additional safety certification. Don't cut corners—safe driving comes first. Consider filing the modification as a small investment.
Changing the front fascia requires registration, which is common knowledge. Modifying the vehicle's appearance, such as the front-end styling, may violate traffic laws if it is deemed to alter the original vehicle characteristics. If caught by traffic police, penalties can range from warnings and fines to towing, and it may even affect insurance claims. I've encountered similar cases where owners were fined hundreds of yuan for not registering the changes. The process is straightforward—just take the vehicle to the DMV to complete the modification registration.
