Will the traffic police intervene if the brake light is modified to flash?
3 Answers
If the traffic police discover that the brake light has been modified to flash, they will intervene. Below is relevant information about modifying brake lights to flash: 1. Unauthorized vehicle modification is illegal unless there is a relevant application. If a flashing light is installed without permission, the traffic police have the authority to impose penalties. Unauthorized alteration of vehicle components may result in an order to remove the modification within a specified time. Repeated violations may lead to forced removal and fines. Flashing brake lights are considered illegal modifications and pose significant safety hazards. According to the "Technical Conditions for Motor Vehicle Operation Safety," brake lights are explicitly prohibited from flashing, and vehicle owners are not allowed to modify external lighting and signal devices. 2. Article 16 of the "Road Traffic Safety Law" stipulates that no unit or individual may assemble a motor vehicle or alter its registered structure, construction, or characteristics without authorization. Article 97 of the "Road Traffic Safety Law" states that illegally installed alarms or marking lights will be forcibly removed and confiscated by the traffic management department of the public security authorities.
I’ve also thought about modifying the brake lights to flash rapidly—it seems pretty cool, but I really don’t recommend it. Traffic police will definitely crack down on it because traffic laws require brake lights to remain steady without flickering. Flashing lights could be mistaken for hazard warning lights, causing confusion. Last year, my neighbor made this modification and got caught by the police during a traffic jam—he was fined 200 yuan and received penalty points. Moreover, such modifications can easily distract drivers behind, leading to misjudgments in braking timing and distance, increasing the risk of rear-end collisions. Safe driving is no trivial matter—it’s best to keep the factory settings. Otherwise, you might regret it after an accident. If you want to enhance the brightness or style of your lights, opt for compliant LED lights, but flashing ones are a no-go.
My friend tried installing flashing brake lights last year, thinking they looked cool like racing cars, but got pulled over and warned by traffic police just three days later. This type of flickering violates lighting standards, and officers deemed it illegal modification, potentially resulting in fines or even requiring restoration. I also heard from a buddy at the auto repair shop that flashing lights strain the electrical system, easily causing overload failures. Drivers behind might mistake the rapid flashes for emergency braking and panic, even accidentally hitting the accelerator – there have been actual accidents. It's better to spend a bit on practical upgrades like backup cameras or legally compliant ambient lighting, which are both useful and safe. Always check traffic regulations before modifying your car to avoid unnecessary trouble.
