Is modifying the front grille illegal?

[DiAvery]

The latest "Motor Vehicle Inspection Work Regulations" implemented on September 1, 2019, stipulate that as long as the modified front grille meets certain requirements, it is legal and does not need to be registered. If the modified front grille does not meet the requirements, it is also considered illegal. Therefore, when modifying the front grille, it must be done according to the requirements. The following are the requirements for modifying the front grille: 1. The modified front grille must be a style already filed by the manufacturer. It is known that many cars can be equipped with optional appearance sport kits or some appearance parts when purchasing, and these appearance parts have already been filed by the manufacturer with the vehicle management office. Modifying the original appearance parts after purchasing the car is legal. 2. The modified front grille must not change the length and width of the vehicle. According to the latest "Motor Vehicle Inspection Work Regulations", the modification of the front grille has been included in the legal scope, but it should be noted that the modified front grille must not change the length and width of the vehicle.

[MacLevi]

I thought about modifying the front grille last time, but after checking, it turns out this could actually be illegal. The main issue is that laws regulate vehicle appearance modifications, including the grille. Changing to a new design might alter the original specifications. In China, for example, annual inspections could flag this as a violation, leading to immediate rejection and fines. There are also safety risks, like grille modifications affecting the cooling system, potentially causing engine overheating, or obstructing proper headlight function, which violates road safety regulations. It's advisable to check local laws before making any modifications or consult a professional auto shop to avoid legal trouble. If caught by the police, penalties range from warnings to vehicle impoundment—definitely not worth the risk for minor cosmetic changes.

[StDakota]

Bro, I've been into car modding for years, and you really gotta watch out for legal red lines when modifying the grille. Any exterior changes must comply with factory standards, otherwise it's illegal. For example, installing an oversized grille might obstruct the license plate or alter the vehicle's identifying features, leading to fines. Safety-wise, it can disrupt airflow, causing insufficient engine cooling, which is a significant risk. Regulations vary by location—strict in big cities, maybe looser in rural areas—but insurance claims can be denied for non-compliance. I recommend first simulating the effect with simulation software or sticking to OEM parts to ensure legality. Don't just chase looks and forget responsibility; road safety comes first. Only compliant modifications are truly safe.

[DelAlexa]

I used to be curious about this and found out through research that modifying the front grille might be illegal. The key point is, if the modification makes the vehicle fail to meet safety standards, such as altering the grille shape affecting pedestrian crash tests or headlight illumination range, the law directly prohibits it. It won't pass the annual inspection, requiring restoration to the original state and possibly fines, or even license revocation in severe cases. It's advisable to take photos for documentation before each modification, compare them with regulatory requirements, and ensure compliance before proceeding to avoid endless troubles.