Is Modifying Brake Calipers Considered Illegal Modification?
2 Answers
Modifying brake calipers is considered an illegal modification that alters the vehicle's structure and is also a violation of the law. According to Article 16 of the Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China, no unit or individual may engage in the following acts: 1. Assembling motor vehicles or altering the registered structure, construction, or characteristics of a motor vehicle without authorization. 2. Changing the model, engine number, frame number, or vehicle identification number of a motor vehicle. 3. Counterfeiting, altering, or using counterfeit or altered motor vehicle registration certificates, license plates, driving licenses, inspection qualification marks, or insurance marks. 4. Using the registration certificates, license plates, driving licenses, inspection qualification marks, or insurance marks of another motor vehicle.
I've specifically researched the regulations on this issue. In short, whether changing calipers is illegal depends on the specific approach. China's Road Traffic Safety Law does explicitly prohibit unauthorized modifications to registered structural features of motor vehicles, but brake system modifications exist in a gray area. If you install calipers with performance specifications below OEM standards, or use substandard counterfeit products that increase braking distance, it's definitely considered illegal modification. However, switching to forged calipers from reputable major brands with superior performance parameters that maintain ABS compatibility is theoretically legal. That said, any modification should be registered with the vehicle management office to be safe - I've seen many owners think flashy red calipers wouldn't attract attention, only to fail annual inspections and receive fines. Since brakes are life-critical components, I recommend prioritizing OEM upgrade kits for peace of mind.
