Is Modifying the Exhaust Tip Considered Illegal Modification?
3 Answers
Modifying the exhaust tip is considered illegal modification. For many car owners, installing an exhaust tip is quite necessary. The exhaust tip, also known as a car exhaust tip, is a component installed at the end of the original exhaust pipe. Besides preventing deformation of the car's exhaust pipe, it also serves to increase pressure and disrupt airflow. Additionally, it can slightly soften and improve the sound of the exhaust pipe, reducing noise. Depending on the type, the functions of exhaust tips vary: 1. Some are specifically designed for fire safety, such as those used on tanker trucks and certain special-purpose vehicles; 2. Purely for aesthetic purposes; 3. Performance modifications, which mainly amplify the exhaust sound, producing a roar similar to that of a sports car, though they do not actually enhance power.
This issue is actually quite common. First, it depends on how you modify it. If you just replace it with a decorative exhaust tip of the same size without altering the exhaust pipe itself, it usually doesn't count as illegal. However, if you change a single exhaust pipe to a quad exhaust just for looks, or install those competition-style exhaust tips that can shoot flames, it's definitely considered illegal modification. I have a friend who got pulled over by traffic police because his modified exhaust tip exceeded the standard diameter and produced excessive noise, resulting in a 500-yuan fine and mandatory removal. The key point is that you cannot alter the factory-registered characteristics of the vehicle or affect its exhaust emission parameters. If you really want to modify it, I suggest filing a record with the vehicle management office first—don't trade thousands in modification fees for a ticket.
It depends on the enforcement standards of specific cities. Beijing and Shanghai are stricter, while smaller cities might turn a blind eye. I suggest first understanding Article 57 of the 'Motor Vehicle Registration Regulations' – illegal modifications refer to altering the registered structural parameters of the vehicle. Decorative exhaust tips like tailpipes are fine as long as they don't modify the muffler, increase the number of exhaust pipes, or change the exhaust direction. However, note three points: the tailpipe shouldn't protrude more than 5 cm from the vehicle body; it shouldn't produce noise exceeding 80 decibels at night; and definitely avoid those street-racing types that shoot blue flames. Last month, someone in our car club got held up during the annual inspection because of flashy exhaust tips.
