What is the permissible range of modifications allowed by the DMV?
2 Answers
The permissible range of modifications allowed by the DMV includes: 1. Vehicle body color, which must be registered within ten days; 2. Rims and brake calipers, provided they are of the same size as the original ones; 3. Front and rear bumpers, which also require registration, but wide-body modifications are not permitted. Any modifications that do not involve changes to the vehicle's structure, power, braking system, etc., such as adding leather interiors, navigation systems, or rearview radar cameras, are allowed. Interior modifications should adhere to the principles of coordination, practicality, cleanliness, safety, and comfort. For small and micro passenger vehicles, installing front and rear anti-collision devices does not require changing the vehicle registration certificate. For trucks, adding windshields, toolboxes, spare tire racks, etc., falls within the legal modification range, but care must be taken to avoid obstructing the license plate.
As a car enthusiast, I often think about car modifications, and the scope allowed by the vehicle management office is actually quite clear. Mainly, it involves changes that don’t affect safety and structure, such as changing the body color or applying wraps, but you need to register with the vehicle management office in advance. Avoid overly flashy colors that might obstruct visibility. For the interior, you can be more flexible—replacing seats, steering wheels, or adding floor mats are all fine, as long as it doesn’t get too messy. There are restrictions on wheel size; they can’t be too large to avoid affecting braking or stability. Safety accessories like dash cams and rearview radars are allowed, but installation must comply with standards. I’ve seen some people get fined for overly exaggerated exhaust or lighting modifications, so remember the rule: not touching the engine, chassis, or suspension system is key. Before modifying, it’s best to check local regulations or consult the vehicle management office, otherwise, you might face issues during annual inspections or be held liable in accidents. Overall, minor personalization is feasible, but safety always comes first—don’t cross the line just for style.
