Is It Illegal to Convert a Manual Transmission Car to Automatic?
1 Answers
From a legal perspective, converting a manual transmission to automatic is not illegal, but modifications should be approached with caution as they may affect annual vehicle inspections. Manual transmissions can be converted to semi-automatic: By installing an electronic control system that assists the driver in operating the clutch, but gear shifting still requires manual operation. When shifting gears, the system controls a motor to automatically depress the clutch, releasing it once the gear is engaged to prevent stalling. The system also provides prompts when gear changes are needed. Disadvantages of modification: After modification, the vehicle may fail annual inspections. Unauthorized modifications can also impact insurance claims, as accidents caused by modified parts may not be covered.