Which Off-Road Modifications Are Legal?

Which Off-Road Modifications Are Legal?

With the rise of off-road culture, more and more car owners are keen to modify their off-road vehicles to enhance their off-road performance and personalized appearance. However, when making these modifications, car owners must be clear about which modifications are legal to avoid breaking the law and causing unnecessary trouble. This article will explore which off-road modifications are legal to help car owners ensure that their vehicles are legal on the road while enjoying the fun of off-road.

Body color and appearance

Body color change: According to the "Motor Vehicle Registration Regulations", car owners can change the body color of their cars, but they must apply to the vehicle management office and update the change record. This means that as long as you report to the relevant departments in a timely manner, the change of body color is completely legal.

Exterior decoration: The exterior decoration of off-road vehicles, such as decals, body film, etc., as long as the area does not exceed 30% of the total area of the body, does not require special approval and is a legal modification. In addition, exterior parts such as racing bars (front and rear bumpers made of metal), antennas or flagpoles, roof luggage boxes or luggage frames, side anti-collision bars or side pedals are also allowed to be installed without affecting the vehicle's safety structure and registration characteristics.

Powertrain and chassis

Powertrain upgrade: The replacement of the engine and frame must maintain the original model, and a repair shop certificate and legal origin must be provided. Although the engine ECU data and the transmission TCU data can be adjusted, the modification of the hardware platform (such as the installation of a supercharger) is illegal. Therefore, car owners should carefully choose legal methods when upgrading the power system.

Chassis and suspension: Structural reinforcements such as a tic-tac-toe frame or a metal guard plate can be added to the chassis, but it should be noted that these modifications should not change the force standard of the chassis to avoid potential safety hazards to the vehicle. The suspension system can upgrade elastic elements and shock absorbers, but modifications to the wheel guide parts (such as connecting rods) are not allowed.

Tires and wheels

Tires and wheels: The modification of tires and wheels must maintain the same size as the original vehicle. For example, if the original car uses 265/70 R18 wheels and tires, the modified parts can only be changed to the same size wheels, and the tires can be changed from ordinary HT (road tires) to AT/MT (all-terrain tires/mud tires), but the size must remain the same. Any modification beyond the original size is illegal.

Lighting system

Lighting modification: Personalized modification of lights is allowed, but it must ensure that safety standards such as intensity, color temperature and beam angle are met. However, any form of external light group (such as roof LED lights, A-pillar LED searchlights, etc.) is illegal because these light groups may pose a safety hazard to other vehicles and pedestrians.

Legal modification process

In order to ensure that the modified off-road vehicle can be legally on the road, the owner needs to follow the following process:

Consultation and planning: Before modification, the owner should consult a professional modification shop or vehicle management office to understand which modifications are legal and plan the modification plan.

Implementation of modification: Modify according to the planned plan and ensure that all modified parts come from legal channels.

Apply for registration change: After the modification is completed, the owner must apply for registration change to the vehicle management office at the place of registration within 10 days and submit relevant supporting documents, including photos before and after the modification, repair shop certificates, etc.

Pass the inspection: The vehicle management office will inspect the modified vehicle to ensure that it meets safety standards and legal regulations.

Receive the change certificate: After the inspection is qualified, the owner will receive the change certificate, and the modified off-road vehicle can be legally on the road.

Conclusion

Off-road vehicle modification is a fun and challenging process, but car owners must be clear about which modifications are legal to avoid breaking the law. By following the above regulations and procedures, car owners can enjoy the fun and excitement of off-roading under the premise of legality. Remember, legal modification is the king!