Is it illegal to change the rearview mirrors to black on a white car?
2 Answers
Changing the rearview mirrors to black on a white car is not illegal, as altering only the color of the rearview mirrors does not constitute a violation. Relevant regulations: Car modifications must be carried out in compliance with relevant laws and regulations. Otherwise, the vehicle may fail the annual inspection. Therefore, it is advisable for car owners to consult in advance whether the part they intend to modify is illegal before proceeding with the modification. Modification scope: The car's model, engine model, and frame number cannot be altered, and the body structure must not be damaged. Installing windshields, water tanks, toolboxes, spare tire racks, front and rear anti-collision devices, or adding interior decorations to the vehicle requires applying for a modification registration.
I'm the kind of veteran driver who loves researching regulations, and I've specifically looked into this. According to the rules, changing the color of vehicle side mirrors does count as an exterior modification, but black is considered a conventional color and doesn't violate regulations. The key is not to use reflective or warning colors. However, enforcement varies by region - Shanghai is particularly strict about this. The most important thing is that it mustn't affect driving safety, and the mirrors must maintain their reflective functionality. My suggestion is to file an exterior modification record at the DMV - it's a 30-minute procedure that'll save you headaches during annual inspections. As a side note, remember that window tint shouldn't cover more than 30% of the vehicle body, otherwise you'll need to retake the license plate photo.
