What are the legal methods for modifying a car for road use?
2 Answers
The legal methods for modifying a car for road use are: 1. Exterior modifications: Achieved through methods such as decals or vehicle wraps, but the area must not exceed 30% of the vehicle's body to be considered legal; 2. Changing the vehicle color: The modification must not exceed three primary colors, and within ten days of the change, you must complete the alteration procedures at the vehicle management office and obtain a new driver's license; 3. Interior modifications must be done under the condition that they do not affect driving safety; 4. Small or micro passenger vehicles can legally modify front and rear anti-collision devices if they are damaged. For freight motor vehicles, adding windshields, water tanks, spare tires, etc., does not require alteration registration, but modifications must not obscure the license plate or affect driving.
I see many friends are into car modifications, and as someone who's been through it, I have to share a few words of advice. If you really want to modify your car for the road, the most important thing is to comply with the 'Motor Vehicle Registration Regulations.' Don’t start by altering the engine, chassis, or exhaust system—traffic police will spot it immediately. A friend at the traffic bureau told me that the most common legal modifications include changing the color (must be registered at the DMV within 10 days), adding a roof rack (must not exceed 30cm in height), and swapping wheels of the same size (style is up to you, but keep the original specifications). Want to modify the suspension? You can only lower it by up to 4cm, or it won’t pass the annual inspection. Oh, and be extra careful with spoiler modifications—anything wider than the car or taller than 50cm is strictly prohibited on the road. When registering the changes, remember to bring your ID card, vehicle license, and registration certificate—it costs just 20 yuan in fees. Don’t take chances; if caught with illegal modifications, you could face fines, points deducted from your license, or even be forced to restore the car to its original condition, which is both costly and frustrating.
