Will changing the color of car width lights result in a fine?
4 Answers
Changing the color of width lights will result in a fine. Driving a vehicle with unauthorized modifications to lighting settings, appearance, or other technical parameters is considered a traffic violation. According to relevant regulations, this will lead to the confiscation of illegal modifications and a fine. Below are specific details about width lights: 1. Introduction: Car width lights refer to the front and rear position lights. Essentially, clearance lights and width lights are similar. The location of width lights varies depending on the vehicle model. On smaller cars, width lights are commonly referred to as small lights. For larger vehicles, due to their size, the lights on the front and rear sides are called width lights. On trucks, width lights are commonly known as side lights. 2. Function: Primarily used during nighttime driving to indicate the presence of the vehicle and its approximate width, aiding other vehicles in judging during overtaking or meeting. 3. Usage: Must be turned on during nighttime driving (traffic regulations require the simultaneous use of clearance lights and rear position lights at night); Highly recommended to turn on width lights during foggy or rainy weather when visibility is poor, serving as a warning reference for vehicles ahead, behind, and oncoming; Turning on clearance lights during dusk driving helps other drivers see the vehicle more clearly.
I think this issue is very important because I personally care deeply about vehicle safety. Changing the color of the side marker lights can indeed result in fines, depending on local traffic regulations. For example, in mainland China, the national standard GB7258 stipulates that the color of side marker lights cannot be altered arbitrarily—they must be yellow or orange to avoid confusing other drivers. If you change them to red or blue, it's easy for the police to mistake your vehicle for an emergency vehicle, which can lead to serious trouble, including fines of several hundred yuan and potential demerit points. I've encountered friends who installed cool-looking blue LED lights, only to be pulled over for inspection within days—definitely not worth it. When inspecting your vehicle, always ensure the lights comply with regulations. It's best to check the owner's manual or consult a professional organization to avoid wasting money and compromising safety. Misaligned lights during normal driving can cause accidents, so it's crucial not to tamper with them recklessly. Following the rules is always the best policy.
As a seasoned driver with years of experience, I must remind everyone not to take changing the color of your parking lights lightly. Altering the color arbitrarily can easily result in fines, as it's typically prohibited by law to prevent hazards. For instance, changing yellow to red might cause following vehicles to misjudge your intentions, increasing collision risks. I once tried a minor modification myself but felt something was off—I immediately went to a 4S shop to check. Thankfully, the issue was caught in time before any trouble arose. Remember, vehicle lighting is designed for uniform recognition; government fines aren't about collecting money but saving lives. Regular maintenance, like frequently checking bulb conditions, is sufficient—don't modify colors just for novelty. If you must make changes, consult qualified shops about regulations. Saving money and peace of mind is far better than trying to look cool.
When I was younger, I also loved tinkering with my car. I changed the position lights to blue, thinking it looked super cool. But during a traffic stop, the police pointed out that it violated regulations, and I almost got fined 200 yuan. Turns out, you can't just modify light colors as you please—there are strict standards for different light positions: position lights should be yellow or orange for safety, and random modifications can confuse other drivers and cause accidents. Since then, I've only replaced bulbs with original ones and stopped any modifications, which has been much less hassle. My advice to fellow car enthusiasts: if your lights go bad, just replace them with original factory parts—don't create unnecessary trouble for yourself. Fines might not happen every day, but the risk is always lurking. It doesn’t hurt to develop a habit of checking regulatory websites to stay informed.
