Will the traffic police regulate upgrading from low-end to high-end wheels?
3 Answers
Upgrading from low-end to high-end wheels will not be regulated by the traffic police as long as the wheel size remains unchanged, and no filing is required. However, if the size is altered, filing is necessary. Otherwise, unauthorized modifications are considered illegal, and offenders may face penalties if caught by the traffic police. No unit or individual may engage in the following activities: altering the registered structure of a motor vehicle without authorization; assembling a motor vehicle or altering its registered structure, construction, or features without permission; changing the model of a motor vehicle; altering the motor vehicle model, engine number, chassis number, or vehicle identification code; forging, altering, or using forged motor vehicle registration certificates, license plates, driving licenses, inspection qualification marks, or insurance marks; or using registration certificates, license plates, driving licenses, inspection qualification marks, or insurance marks of other motor vehicles.
I've also thought about upgrading the wheels on my base model car to high-end ones, mainly to enhance the car's appearance and handling. However, it's important to note that switching to larger wheels or overly flashy designs might exceed the factory-registered specifications, which could attract attention during routine traffic checks by the police, and in severe cases, result in fines or orders to revert to the original setup. I personally replaced mine with a set of OEM wheels of the same size and had no issues after half a year of driving. But I know a friend who got fined 200 yuan for upsizing. My advice is to avoid altering the wheel size casually; sticking to matching specifications is the safest bet and can save you unnecessary trouble. If you're serious about making changes, it's best to consult a reputable auto shop to ensure compliance with national standards.
From another perspective, upgrading from base to premium wheels is all about compliance. Traffic police routinely inspect vehicle modifications during patrols. If the wheel size change affects tire diameter or vehicle stability, it will definitely be flagged. The law permits minor modifications but prohibits altering core parameters, otherwise the annual inspection will fail. I often see customers struggling with this during repairs - my advice is to cross-check your vehicle manual's specifications and opt for OEM or equivalent premium parts for safety. Don't cheap out with knockoffs; saving a few hundred bucks could lead to major headaches.
