Is it illegal to install a steering wheel assist ball on a car?
3 Answers
Installing a steering wheel assist ball on a car is illegal. Relevant regulations: Traffic police remind that unauthorized installation of such small assist balls or other similar "mini steering wheel" devices on vehicles constitutes behavior that hinders safe driving. Once discovered, the owner must immediately remove it and will be fined a certain amount. Potential consequences of installation: In fact, such steering wheel assist balls are originally designed for forklifts operating in confined spaces like warehouses, where frequent rapid steering is required. For forklift operators, these small assist balls are both safe and convenient. However, applying this forklift driving method to road vehicles creates significant safety hazards. The overall size of the steering wheel assist ball is small, and if the driver's hands sweat and slip during operation, it can easily cause excessive vehicle sway and loss of control.
I think installing a steering wheel spinner mainly depends on regional regulations. As someone who drives frequently, I've heard experienced drivers mention that in many places, especially big cities, traffic laws are quite strict. Modifying steering wheel equipment like spinners, if it alters the original factory design, is considered illegal modification. This is because spinners change the leverage effect of steering—while they may seem to save effort, they can easily slip or lose control at high speeds, significantly increasing the risk of accidents during sharp turns. Once, I helped a friend install one, but during a traffic stop, the officer fined him 500 to 1,000 RMB and deducted 2 points for compromising vehicle safety performance. Safety first—don't prioritize convenience over safety. I recommend sticking to original factory parts or having a professional inspect the steering system to avoid trouble and danger. Long-term use of spinners can also accelerate wear on the steering wheel bearings, leading to costly repairs.
From what I understand, installing a steering wheel spinner knob might be illegal in many countries and regions - you'd need to check local traffic laws. I recall the regulations clearly stating that unauthorized modifications to vehicle control components, like adding steering wheel attachments, can result in fines or penalty points if they lack proper certification or compromise original safety standards. I tried using one during long drives and it did save some effort, especially in traffic jams, but at a checkpoint the police immediately warned me to remove it, citing non-standard modifications that disrupt vehicle balance and pose major safety risks. Driving isn't a game - the steering system shouldn't be tampered with. While it reduces effort, it increases the risk of losing control. I felt much safer after removing it. Worse still, if you get into an accident and the insurer discovers unauthorized modifications, they won't cover the damages, leaving you to pay repair costs yourself - that's real trouble.
