Is it illegal to modify car lights?

[McIsabel]

Changing the color of headlights is not illegal, but it must comply with standards. The relevant introduction to car modification is as follows: Car modification regulations: Modifying the brand, model, and engine type of a motor vehicle is prohibited, except for engines that are permitted by the competent department of motor vehicle products under the State Council. Altering the registered appearance and technical data of a motor vehicle is also prohibited, unless otherwise stipulated by laws, regulations, and national mandatory standards. Modifying car lights is considered an alteration of the vehicle's appearance and may not pass the annual inspection. Precautions for modifying car lights: Do not change the color of taillights, as this is an extremely irresponsible practice for driving safety. When modifying headlights, avoid excessive adjustments to brightness, as this can cause unnecessary accidents during night driving. Also, avoid making the lights too 'flashy,' as this can look awkward and may even reduce the car's aesthetic appeal.

[DeLevi]

I've encountered many car owners asking this question before. Modifying car lights can indeed be illegal, depending on what exactly is changed. In China, traffic regulations clearly stipulate that car light colors must remain the factory-standard white or yellow. Changing them to blue or green is absolutely prohibited, as these colors are reserved for police vehicles. Lights that are too bright are also not allowed, as they can dazzle other drivers and increase the risk of accidents. Additionally, the position and height of the lights must comply with the original design and cannot be arbitrarily lowered or raised. I recommend checking the local traffic police department's regulations or consulting a professional technician before modifying your lights. Use certified products and follow the proper procedures. Never cut corners by having modifications done at unlicensed stalls. A single non-compliant modification could result in fines ranging from tens to hundreds of yuan, and in severe cases, it might even affect your vehicle's annual inspection. Safety comes first. For everyone's peace of mind on the road, it's worth taking the time to ensure your modifications are compliant.

[HaydenAnn]

As a regular car owner, I was stopped by traffic police once last year after installing LED headlights. The lights were too bright and nearly caused an accident for an oncoming driver. The officer mentioned that modifying headlights is highly likely to be illegal. Regulations generally prohibit changes that alter the color beyond the factory specifications or exceed brightness limits. I've learned my lesson now—before making any modifications, I always check local traffic rules online or consult with 4S shop technicians for safe recommendations. Minor changes like replacing bulbs with the same model are usually fine, but adding flashy light strips can be risky. The intention behind modifying lights is good—to improve nighttime visibility—but it comes with significant risks and potential fines. I recommend testing brightness standards beforehand to ensure compliance, making for a smoother and worry-free driving experience.

[Craig]

Modifying car lights is a common issue, with the focus on regulatory requirements. In China, regulations stipulate that car light colors are limited to white and yellow only, with a color temperature not exceeding 6000K; the height must be fixed and cannot be adjusted arbitrarily; brightness should also not be too strong to avoid glare. Safety is the key, as illegal modifications can double the risk of accidents and even lead to license revocation. During inspections, using a multimeter to check current stability is a good method to quickly identify violations. Don't forget regular annual inspections to prevent major issues from temporary malfunctions. In short, compliance with regulations ensures legality.