Is Modifying Shock Absorbers Considered Illegal Vehicle Modification?
3 Answers
Modifying shock absorbers is considered illegal vehicle modification. Relevant Regulations: Article 100 of the Road Traffic Safety Law stipulates that driving an assembled motor vehicle or a motor vehicle that has reached the scrapping standard on the road shall be confiscated and compulsorily scrapped by the traffic management department of the public security organ. For privately modified vehicles driven on the road, the traffic management department of the public security organ shall confiscate and compulsorily scrap them. The traffic management department of the public security organ will also impose a fine on the motor vehicle driver and revoke the motor vehicle driving license. Introduction to Shock Absorbers: Shock absorbers are the damping function on a car. The working principle of pneumatic shock absorbers is to change the height of the vehicle by controlling air pressure, which includes elastic rubber airbag shock absorbers, air pressure control systems, trunk air storage tanks, and electronic control systems.
I've always been interested in car modification, and many friends around me have tinkered with suspensions. Actually, this matter needs to be discussed case by case. Modifying suspensions isn't completely illegal, but the key is to what extent you modify them. Domestic regulations stipulate that any changes to the chassis structure or alterations affecting vehicle height must be registered with the vehicle management office. If you simply replace shock absorbers with ones of the same specifications or install OEM upgrade springs, it's usually fine. However, if you cut and weld the chassis for air suspension or lower it so much that the fenders rub, the police will definitely issue a ticket if caught. Last week, my neighbor's Civic was ordered to revert to factory settings because it was lowered too much, wasting all the money spent on modifications. It's advisable to have the work done by a qualified shop and register the changes with the new certificate within ten days. The vehicle management office will then take new photos for the vehicle license.
We car enthusiasts all understand that modifying suspensions is both a technical and legal matter. According to Article 57 of the 'Motor Vehicle Registration Regulations', any changes to the suspension system must be reported. Last year, I personally witnessed two cases: a modified Honda Fit with coilovers got stuck during the annual inspection due to lack of registration, while a lifted Tank 300 passed smoothly because the owner had completed the modification registration in advance. The key lies in whether you alter the factory parameters. Simple replacements like KYB Excel-G shocks are generally fine, but cutting the chassis for air suspension or lowering an SUV into a slammed stance is definitely illegal. Before modifying, it's advisable to photograph the original wheel arch height with your phone. After modification, keep the wheel gap variation within 3cm to facilitate smoother approval during the registration process.
