Is Modifying Brakes Illegal?

[DiAdalynn]

Modifying brake calipers constitutes altering the vehicle's structure and is an illegal act that will not pass annual inspections. According to Article 16 of the "Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China": No unit or individual may commit any of the following acts: 1. Assembling motor vehicles or altering the registered structure, construction, or characteristics of motor vehicles without authorization; 2. Changing the motor vehicle model, engine number, chassis number, or vehicle identification code; 3. Counterfeiting, altering, or using counterfeit or altered motor vehicle registration certificates, license plates, driving licenses, inspection qualification marks, or insurance marks; 4. Using registration certificates, license plates, driving licenses, inspection qualification marks, or insurance marks of other motor vehicles.

[VanAutumn]

Modifying brakes is not always illegal; it depends on how you do it. I've seen many car enthusiasts replace brake pads or discs on their own, only to be fined during road inspections because regulations require vehicles to meet original safety standards—otherwise, it counts as illegal modification. Traffic laws state that any modifications must not compromise vehicle safety, and brakes, being a critical component, are subject to stricter scrutiny. If brake parameters are abnormal during annual inspections, your car may fail outright, requiring fixes or fines. For legal brake modifications, go to a professional tuning shop using certified parts—for example, some high-performance brake kits are tested and compliant. Safety comes first, so I advise against taking risks—if your brakes fail and cause an accident, you'll bear full responsibility.

[SawyerLee]

As a veteran driver with over a decade of experience, I must say modifying brakes is indeed high-risk. I have a buddy who installed substandard brake discs himself and ended up rear-ending another car in the city when the brakes failed. The insurance company found out it was an illegal modification and refused to pay a single cent. Most local regulations emphasize that the brake system must not be tampered with, especially with non-OEM parts that can easily degrade performance. If you really need an upgrade, I recommend choosing branded genuine parts installed by certified shops to avoid safety loopholes. Remember, brakes are a matter of life and death – routine maintenance is even more crucial.

[ORiver]

From a safety perspective, illegal brake modifications can pose serious hazards. Vehicle braking systems are designed to precise standards, and alterations may compromise stopping distance or force. Through industry exchanges, I've witnessed numerous cases where illegally installed oversized brake discs led to overheating failures. This violates traffic regulations and constitutes risky behavior. It's recommended to only allow professionals to perform modifications using tested components to prevent endangering road safety for oneself and others.