Drivers warned over popular car modifications

Exhausts, neon lights and stickers come under scrutiny

Drivers warned over popular car modifications
Photo: Bigstock

Drivers are being told to exert caution when modifying their cars, or risk a fine or potential MOT failure.

ATS Euromaster has highlighted five popular car modifications which, while not illegal, could land drivers in hot water if carried out carried out without considering the rules and regulations.

These are:

  • Tinted windows
  • Loud exhausts
  • Neon lights
  • Stickers and decals
  • Number plate modifications

This comes as the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has fined two tuning companies for selling and fitting so-called ‘pop and bang’ exhaust systems. Meanwhile, the Department for Transport (DfT) has said a new plan will allow local councils to roll out noise cameras to target unacceptable vehicle modifications.

Although it is not illegal to fit neon lights to a vehicle, there are strict rules on the types of lights that can be displayed and where.

A spokesperson for ATS Euromaster said: “Over the past couple of years, neon lights have taken over as the latest trend on TikTok and Instagram especially with car modifications, however this could land drivers in big trouble.

“Although there are no laws prohibiting the fitting of vehicle underglow, there are some strict rules on the types of lights you can display and where, according to the Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations 1989.”

Car stickers will fall under the banner of ‘field of vision’ in the MOT inspection manual, with a tester able to fail a vehicle if the view is significantly affected. Items such as sat navs or air fresheners can be removed, but the MOT tester must tell the driver.

The ATS Euromaster spokesperson added: “Although stickers are a fun way to personalise your car and can be important, eg: having a child on board, there are some legal limitations.

“The Highway Code states that a driver’s windscreen must be kept clear of obstructions that interfere with vision. This includes any excessive window stickers or decals that may be too large or incorrectly placed and can obstruct the driver’s view.”

Source: Express

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