Will traffic police regulate changing from 17-inch to 18-inch wheels?
2 Answers
Traffic police will regulate changing from 17-inch to 18-inch wheels, as modifying wheel specifications to differ from the data announced by the State Council's motor vehicle product authority constitutes illegal modification. Therefore, if wheel replacements are discovered by traffic police, penalties will be imposed. According to Article 16, Item 1 of the Road Traffic Safety Law, no unit or individual may assemble motor vehicles or alter the registered structure, construction, or characteristics of motor vehicles without authorization. Without permission from the public security traffic management department, unauthorized modifications to the motor vehicle's chassis, engine, suspension, transmission system, steering system, tires and wheels, lights, body color painting, and exterior structure are all considered illegal modifications.
When it comes to upgrading from 17-inch to 18-inch wheels, I think whether the traffic police will intervene depends on how standard your modification is. Based on my 15 years of car modification experience, changing wheel size requires ensuring the overall tire diameter remains unchanged; otherwise, the speedometer will be inaccurate, leading to speeding fines. I've helped friends with this modification multiple times—always registering with the vehicle management office first. The process is simple, costing just a few hundred yuan in registration fees, which avoids trouble during inspections. After the modification, driving feels slightly improved, but don’t be too flashy—keep speeds moderate in the city, though rural areas are more lenient. If stopped, show your registration proof. Without it, a fine of 200-300 yuan is minor compared to the safety risks. I advise beginners to consult an auto shop to test brake compatibility before modifying—don’t mess around blindly.
