Is Installing a Decorative Spoiler on a Car Illegal?
3 Answers
Installing a spoiler is considered an illegal act and falls under unauthorized vehicle modifications. Driving a vehicle with illegal modifications on public roads will result in the vehicle being impounded by traffic police authorities, confiscation of the illegal modifications, an order to restore the vehicle to its original condition, and a fine of 200 yuan as per the law. Below are the relevant handling measures for illegally modified vehicles: 1. Vehicles with illegal modifications will not be issued a safety technical inspection compliance mark by traffic police authorities. 2. If it constitutes a public security management violation, public security authorities will impose penalties such as fines or detention in accordance with the relevant provisions of the "Public Security Administration Punishment Law." 3. When modifying your vehicle, it is essential to apply for a modification registration with the traffic management department of the public security authority to ensure the vehicle can pass annual inspections and routine safety checks after modification. 4. To install a spoiler legally, you must first file a record with the vehicle management office, proceed with the modification, and then return to the vehicle management office for photography. The modification must not exceed the stipulated limits and must be approved to be considered legal.
I think this is a pretty common issue. Based on my driving experience and that of my friends around me, whether decorating a spoiler is illegal mainly depends on how you install it. Official regulations state that any car modification is subject to traffic laws, especially changes in appearance like spoilers, which must be filed and approved by the vehicle management office. Otherwise, it's considered illegal. Installing a small, low-profile spoiler might be easily overlooked, but those tall, exaggerated designs are more likely to be stopped and checked by the police. The other day during my car's annual inspection, I saw a young guy get rejected because he had installed a large spoiler. I recommend checking with the vehicle management office before any modifications to ensure the spoiler's size complies with regulations and doesn't affect safety and stability. Overall, it's not illegal, but failing to file could cause trouble. A 200-yuan fine is the least of your worries—if an accident happens, even insurance might not cover it.
As a car enthusiast who often engages in modifications, I believe the legality of a spoiler depends on its actual purpose. A simple decorative spoiler isn't a big issue, but if you're aiming to enhance performance, such as improving aerodynamics to reduce fuel consumption, you should be cautious about regulations. China's traffic laws stipulate that all body modifications must be reported and approved, otherwise it's a violation. Before installation, it's best to choose products with certification marks to avoid purchasing unverified goods. My car has a low-key carbon fiber spoiler installed, which looks great but required time for registration and inspection. In terms of safety, a spoiler can increase downforce at high speeds, but if not installed properly, it might cause instability at the rear. In short, modifications aren't a problem; the key is to follow the rules and not cut corners!
