Which parts of a car can be legally modified?
3 Answers
Modifications to a car's body color, wheels, spoiler, tires, and interior are within the legal scope. Modified vehicles need to undergo change registration: Changes such as altering the body color, replacing the engine, replacing the body or frame, replacing the entire vehicle due to quality issues, converting a commercial vehicle to a non-commercial vehicle or vice versa, or changes in the vehicle owner's residence moving in or out of the vehicle management office's jurisdiction area, can apply for change registration at the registration office of the vehicle management. Processing period for modified vehicle registration: The vehicle management office should, within one day from the date of acceptance, confirm the vehicle, review the submitted proofs and certificates, annotate the changes on the vehicle registration certificate, retrieve the vehicle license, and reissue a new vehicle license.
When modifying a small car, only specific parts are legal; otherwise, you may face fines or compromise safety. As an ordinary car owner, I focus on safety aspects: interior modifications like seat covers and floor mats are fine; changing the exterior color is acceptable, but you must register it with the vehicle management office; wheels can be replaced, but they must match the original factory size; small exterior decorations like decals are also fine as long as they don’t obstruct visibility. Never tamper with core safety components, such as lowering the suspension or altering headlight angles, as this increases accident risks. A friend of mine illegally modified the exhaust system and ended up fined by traffic police. Remember, consult professionals before making modifications to ensure compliance with national standards, or your car may fail inspection. This way, you can personalize your car while staying legal and safe.
For young car enthusiasts, there are plenty of legal modifications to personalize your ride: applying a wrap or changing the car color is a common choice, as long as it's properly registered; adding ambient lighting or a steering wheel cover to the interior is fine; swapping wheels for cooler ones of the same size is acceptable, but avoid upsizing or downsizing just for looks; installing a small roof rack is also permitted, provided it doesn't exceed height limits. However, steer clear of dangerous mods like overly bright headlights or excessively loud exhaust systems—these are prohibited. I've seen in community forums how some got too carried away without registering changes, leading to fines or impoundment. Keeping it simple and stylish while respecting the rules ensures peace of mind and showcases good taste.
