Are car modification rules changing? Drivers risk fines of up to £300 if caught
THOUSANDS of Brits enjoy revamping their vehicles and adding the latest mod cons to their cars.
But the complex rules around giving your motor a makeover could be changing... so what does that mean for drivers?
What are the rules around car modifications?
Car modifications allow motorists to alter the appearance and performance of their vehicles.
However, they must abide by strict rules and safety standards that ensure the adjustments don't put road users at risk.
Brits can upgrade their cars with exterior accessories, light lens tints, custom hood ornaments and other cosmetic improvements.
Drivers can also better the performance of their vehicles by modifying their brakes, engine, exhausts, suspension, steering and filtration.
But there are some big no no's when it comes to some modifications, which could land you a fine.
Adding neon lights is typically banned as their vibrancy can distract other drivers, while rear and headlight tints will get you in trouble too.
Most read in The Sun
Drivers can tint their windows - but only to a certain degree, as they need to ensure a clear view of the surroundings.
And although it might be tempting to add a loud exhaust to show off your engine power, it cannot exceed 74 decibels or it is classed as illegal.
Spoiler upgrades to streamline your car can also land you a fine if they are not safely secured to the car, obstruct your view, or if it has sharp edges.
Using Nitrous Oxide gas to boost your motor speed is also illegal as it can wreak havoc on your engine - and even cause it to explode.
These modifications will also have an impact on your car insurance, so make sure you inform and double-check with your provider before you carry out the adjustments.
What new rules might be brought in?
The Government has revealed plans to bring in new rules surrounding car modifications, to prevent "tampering" of vehicles for safety and environmental reasons.
Under the proposals for Modernising Vehicle Standards, it would be illegal for drivers to modify a system, a part or component of a road vehicle or to sell a "tampering product".
The scheme is currently out for public consultation and could pump the brakes on motorists modifying their cars with future technology.
Read more on The Sun
Transport minister Trudy Harrison said it would prevent alterations that "negatively impact on road safety, vehicle security and the environment".
But she did insist that Department for Transport officials have been instructed to ensure the new rules don't impact certain areas, including restoration, repairs or legitimate improvements to classic cars, or motorsports businesses involved in these activities".
What fines can you get for car modifications?
Drivers could be slapped with fines if their car modifications aren't in line with UK regulations and some of them can even end up invalidating your insurance.
New offences could be brought in under the governments plans to plug up the gaps in legislation.
These would apply to those who are "supplying, installing and/or advertising, a ‘tampering product’ for a vehicle or non-road mobile machinery."
Other possible new offences include "removing, reducing the effectiveness of, or rendering inoperative a system."
So, what kind of penalties could you face? Here's an idea of the gravity of the fines you could face.
Brits who plaster stickers on their car's rear window could be slapped with a £300 fine and six penalty points.
Having a dodgy number plate - which may involve it being covered with a reflective coating, having an unlawful font or design, or incorrect spacing - could land you a £100 penalty.
Could fines increase under new rules?
It remains unclear if motorists will be fined a higher rate under the new rules.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
But the tighter restrictions could see a higher number of drivers forking out more cash, as the government look to "strengthen our ability to enforce compliance".
They intend to ensure "cleaner and safer vehicles" are on the roads and are looking to bring in new offences to do so.
