Is it legal to install a rear wing on a car?
3 Answers
It is legal to add a rear wing to a car. When modifying the rear wing, the car owner must file a record with the vehicle management office in advance and take new photos to update the images on the vehicle license after the modification is completed. A car rear wing refers to the ducktail-like protrusion installed at the rear end of the car's trunk lid. It is part of the car's aerodynamic kit and mainly serves to reduce the lift at the rear of the vehicle. The following vehicle modifications are not considered illegal: 1. Rear wing modification: When modifying the rear wing, the car owner must file a record with the vehicle management office in advance and take new photos to update the images on the vehicle license after the modification is completed. 2. Body color: The body color can be changed, but the owner must go to the vehicle management office within 10 days to take new photos and apply for a change of registration. Some law enforcement vehicle color schemes are not allowed to be altered. 3. Partial painting: If the body color change is within 30% of the total area, there is no need to go to the vehicle management office to update the vehicle license. Additionally, wheels can be modified, but the size must remain the same as the original vehicle. The color or appearance can be changed freely, and no special registration for the change is required.
I have specialized in studying traffic regulations. In our country, installing a rear wing privately is basically illegal. When a vehicle is registered for license plates, all its exterior data has been filed. Adding a rear wing alters the original parameters. During routine traffic stops, if the police find that the rear wing protrudes too much from the body contour, they will definitely issue a ticket and require immediate removal. Of course, small ducktail spoilers that come with the car from the factory are exceptions. The most troublesome part is the annual inspection. I've seen many people who spent a fortune on carbon fiber rear wings having to tearfully remove them during the inspection. If you really want to modify your car, the right way is to apply for a modification registration at the vehicle management office in advance, but the approval process is quite strict.
As a seasoned veteran in car modification, my experience is that the legality of a spoiler largely depends on its size and material. Those subtle, OEM-style small spoilers usually don't attract attention. But those exaggerated racing-style large spoilers? You'll get pulled over by traffic police within five minutes on the road. Honestly, installing a spoiler on regular family cars provides negligible performance improvement - it's mainly for aesthetics. Last time on the highway, I saw a detached spoiler nearly hit the car behind, which was terrifying. When installing, make sure it's securely fastened and preferably choose lightweight materials, otherwise it might crack or detach on bumpy roads.
