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  • Breadcrumb

    1. Home
    2. Motoring
    3. Owning a vehicle
    4. Advice for vehicle keepers

    Modified cars - what you need to know

    Cars can be modified to improve performance or style. If you're considering modifying your car or you have purchased a modified car, you can find information below on modifications including in-car entertainment, lights or reflectors, suspension and brakes.

    Safety first

    Staying safe and legal is extremely important when modifying your car. It is essential to remember that too many modifications can affect the road handling of your car. It could also put you on the wrong side of the law and perhaps your insurance company.

    In-car entertainment

    Over the last few years there has been a huge increase in the amount of in-car entertainment devices that have become available for the motorist.

    However, it's important to remember that as the driver of the car you still have the most important job to do - and that means you must not get distracted by in-car entertainment. Such as watching a TV screen in the rear-view mirror, or rummaging around with an MP3 player. Moving images within view of the driver are illegal whilst driving.

    Lights or reflectors

    Headlamps must show a largely white or yellow light. Rear position lamps must show a steady red light to the rear only. Tinting of rear reflectors which will reduce efficiency in darkness is not permitted

    Wheels and tyres

    Changes to wheels and tyres can significantly alter your car's behaviour on the road. Important points to consider when fitting bigger wheels and tyres is to:

    • make sure they are approved by the vehicle manufacturer
    • give adequate clearance between tyre and bodywork

    Suspension

    Modifications to the suspension which is the fitment of stiffer springs and lowering kits, should be only be done where the car's road handling will not be compromised. This work must be carried out by a professional engineer.

    Brakes

    Modifications to your car's brakes must at all times be carried out by a professional engineer. Before parting with your money, seek advice from independent suppliers and the vehicle manufacturer to make sure that the brakes you intend fitting are approved and will not involve any major change of existing mounting points.

    Number plates

    Number plates must:

    • meet with current legislation
    • be displayed in a prominent position
    • not be misleading

    Exhaust system

    All exhaust silencers must be maintained in a good and efficient working order. You will be breaking the law if you remove a silencer or make any change that would make that vehicle emit a noise louder than the original exhaust before it was modified.

    To read more about car modifications you can download a copy of the 'Modified Cars - what you need to know' leaflet at the link below or you can contact Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA) directly.

    • Modified cars - what you need to know information leaflet

    More useful links

    • Rules and advice for drivers and riders (103 to 158)
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    Advice for vehicle keepers

    • E10 petrol explained - GOV.UK website
    • If a vehicle, part or accessory has been recalled
    • Maintaining your vehicle
    • Modified cars - what you need to know
    • Release of information from DVA records
    • Tinted vehicle windows - the rules
    • Using your mobile phone while driving
    • Wearing a seat belt and exemptions
    • Your vehicle's smoke emissions standards

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