Will modifying rims result in penalty points?
3 Answers
Modifying rims is illegal as it alters the registered characteristics of the vehicle, which will result in penalty points. However, replacing rims with identical ones is permitted. Article 16 of the Road Traffic Safety Law stipulates that no entity or individual may engage in the following acts: 1. Altering the structure: Assembling motor vehicles or arbitrarily modifying the registered structure, configuration, or characteristics of a motor vehicle. 2. Changing the model: Modifying the motor vehicle model, engine number, chassis number, or vehicle identification code. 3. Forging certificates: Counterfeiting, altering, or using counterfeit or altered motor vehicle registration certificates, license plates, driving licenses, inspection qualification marks, or insurance marks.
Modifying the wheels themselves will not result in penalty points, but it must comply with regulations. I previously consulted the vehicle management office, and the wheel size must match the original factory specifications—you cannot widen or enlarge them. For example, if the original car has 17-inch wheels, upgrading to 18-inch would be considered illegal modification. The wheel style can be changed, but they must not protrude beyond the body, as traffic police can easily spot this. The wheel center bore and ET value must also match the original car parameters; otherwise, it could affect handling safety. The safest approach is to check the vehicle's specifications before changing the wheels, keep the original wheels for inspection purposes, and remember to perform a wheel alignment after modification.
My friend got a ticket for modifying his wheels last year, a painful lesson to share with you: the key points of wheel modification are whether the size and style are legal. The diameter, width, and bolt pattern of the wheels must be exactly the same as the original factory specifications. When purchasing aftermarket parts, ask the seller to provide a parameter comparison chart. The style shouldn’t be too flashy or have sharp protrusions. From my observation, local traffic police mainly check for these situations: wheels extending beyond the fenders, installing glowing wheel covers, or wheels that are noticeably larger in size. It’s recommended to keep the original factory certification after changing the wheels and remember to update the vehicle registration photo at the DMV within 7 days of modification to avoid issues during annual inspections.
