
Legally modifiable aspects of a car: 1. Wheel rims can be modified without altering the vehicle's length, width, or main body structure, but the rim size must match the original factory specifications; 2. The vehicle's color can be changed, but if the modification covers more than 30% of the body surface, the owner must visit the vehicle management office within 10 days to take new photos and apply for the change; 3. Running boards and bumpers can be modified, but the main body structure of the vehicle cannot be altered; 4. Headlights can be modified, but the color cannot be changed, the color temperature must be below 6000K, and the use of bi-xenon lenses without glare issues must not affect the safety of oncoming drivers.

I just made some minor modifications to my car last month and researched quite a few legal projects. First, the most common modification is the car's appearance. Changing the car's color is completely fine, just remember to register the change at the vehicle management office within 10 days after the modification. Wheels can also be replaced, as long as they maintain the same size as the original and don't alter the tire specifications. Installing a roof rack is allowed, provided the height doesn't exceed 30cm. There are even more modifications allowed inside the car, like replacing seats with genuine leather, adding a navigation screen, or installing a rearview camera—all perfectly legal. I also added side steps to make it easier for elderly and children to get in and out, and such modifications that don't alter the structure are acceptable. Finally, the low beam headlights can be upgraded to LED, but they must meet the lumen and color temperature requirements. All these modifications have been verified through registration, so I can hit the road with peace of mind!

As veteran drivers with over 20 years of experience, we all know that legal modifications mainly fall into three categories: exterior, interior, and safety configurations. For the exterior, you can change the grille style, but cannot alter the size and position of the car logo; applying a wrap that changes the color by more than 30% of the surface area requires registration. In terms of performance, replacing brake discs and pads in the original position is completely legal, and upgrading the sound system or adding soundproofing materials is also fine. The most important aspect is the addition of safety components—items like tire pressure monitoring systems, dash cams, and parking sensors don’t require any registration and can be installed directly. I remember a colleague once added a roof box for a long-distance trip—as long as it didn’t exceed 30% of the original vehicle height, it was compliant. Before making any modifications, it’s best to check the latest regulations with the local vehicle management office, as policies often undergo minor adjustments.

Our repair shop most commonly handles three types of legal modifications: First, lighting upgrades, such as replacing low beams with LED bulbs that comply with national standards. Second, wheels and tires, where the safest option is to switch to lightweight rims while maintaining the original factory size. Third, protective installations, like adding engine underguards or mud flaps, which are legal as long as they don't alter the vehicle's frame. For window tinting, note that the front windshield must have a light transmittance above 70%, and side windows should avoid mirror-like effects. Interior modifications, such as adding a leather steering wheel cover or sport pedals, face no restrictions. We recommend that car owners bring their vehicle registration certificates to our shop to record these modifications, avoiding potential issues during roadside checks. Simply put, as long as the vehicle's frame structure isn't altered and power parameters remain unchanged, most modifications are permissible.

All my girlfriends modify their cars mainly for aesthetics, with the most common modification being the car body color. Last time, my best friend changed hers to Tiffany Blue, and it only took three days to complete the registration at the DMV. Car wraps are also very popular now; putting a cartoon pattern on the front hood is fine as long as it doesn't exceed 30% of the car's surface area, and no registration is needed. For interior modifications, changing the ambient light strips to white or warm yellow is legal. We also love adding streaming media rearview mirrors, which are especially practical for driving in the rain. Remember, the bottom line for modifications is not to block the license plate, avoid installing oversized rear wings, and steer clear of those noisy exhaust pipes. Recently, adding colored screw caps to the wheel rims has become trendy, and these small decorations are completely fine. After modifying, don't forget to take photos and share them on social media—many people ask where we got them registered.


