What are the new policies for modified vehicles in 2021?
2 Answers
2021 new policies for modified vehicles are as follows: Body color: Relatively speaking, China has relatively loose controls on changing body colors, but private cars cannot use the special colors of special vehicles, such as the dedicated color of fire trucks (R03 bright red) and the dedicated color of administrative law enforcement vehicles (blue on top and white on bottom). Bumper: Modifications to the front and rear bumpers within a certain extent are allowed. Wheels: When modifying wheels, it must be noted that the size of the rims cannot be changed. Altering the rim size affects the car's power and performance and is illegal. Function: Liquid crystal screens on the dashboard, navigation systems, dash cams, car seats, and car mats can all be modified, but they must not affect the deployment of airbags. Engine: Generally, the engine is not allowed to be replaced, but if it is damaged or has quality issues, an application for change can be made. When applying to change the engine, the owner needs to provide proof from a legitimate repair shop and the source certificate of the replacement engine.
Last year when I modified my car's rims and body decals, I carefully checked the policies. The 2021 regulations didn't change much but emphasized safety: Any changes to the body color must be registered with the DMV, otherwise, the annual inspection won't pass; decals cannot cover critical areas like license plates or obstruct visibility. Rim modifications are allowed, but the size must match the original factory specifications and can't be too wide to avoid fishtailing. My friend was fined by traffic police after modifying his headlights to be too bright, only then realizing that the policy prohibits excessively bright lights that affect others' safety. Engine or exhaust pipe modifications are completely prohibited, including increasing horsepower or amplifying sound—violations may result in point deductions or even license suspension. Overall, the policy encourages decorative modifications but requires prior confirmation of compliance. It's best to frequently consult professional shops or DMV guidelines to avoid being scammed. I think these rules are good as they protect everyone's driving safety and reduce accident risks. The modification culture is growing, but it must be done within legal boundaries to fully enjoy it.