>21
Dec
Car modifications are a great way to customise your vehicle to what you want it to be, so you can stand out from the crowd. However, there are certain modifications that, if done incorrectly, could cause a danger to yourself and other road users.
Below, we look into which car modifications are legal in the UK, and which ones aren’t.
Is it legal to modify a car in the UK?
You can modify your car in the UK as long as you keep to the law. There are certain modifications that are not permitted in the UK, including changes that are deemed dangerous to your driving, dangerous to other people, and/or could cause a disturbance.
You can make modifications to your car as long as you keep to the given guidelines.
There are certain modifications that will need to be declared, both with your car insurer and with the DVLA. This will include cosmetic changes, such as changing the colour of your vehicle, and performance mods, such as changing your exhaust.
Some insurers won’t provide cover for vehicles with certain modifications, so it’s worth checking before you take out a policy. If you fail to let your insurer know of changes you’ve made, it could invalidate your insurance. You can find out more in our guide on which modifications affect your car insurance.
Is it legal to tint car windows in UK?
Yes, it is legal to tint your car windows in the UK, but only up to a certain degree.
Your front windscreen must be 75% tint-free and your side windows will need to be at least 70% tint-free. This is to ensure you have a good level of vision all around when you drive.
For older cars, that’s those that have been on the road since before April 1985, all windows need to be at least 75% tint-free, including the side windows.
Police have an instrument that can measure the tint level of car windows. If yours are found to be over the minimum, you may receive a prohibition notice that forbids you from driving the car until you remove the tint. You could also get a fixed penalty notice and/or a court summons. It’s illegal to sell a car with heavily tinted windows.
Is underglow illegal in the UK?
You can add neon underglow to your car, as long as the lights do not flash. They can’t be on the back of the car or cause a distraction to other drivers, so they can’t be too bright. The lights also can’t be blue or green, as this would be too similar to emergency services. You can only use red for your rear headlights and white for your front headlights.
If you have the wrong kind of lighting fitted on your car, you could have to pay a fine and may receive points on your licence. In extreme cases, you may receive a court summons.
What modifications can you do to your exhaust?
You can modify your exhaust in the UK, as long as the sound does not exceed 74 decibels. For newer cars, which are those manufactured from 2016, the noise limit for exhausts is 72 decibels.
The police have a tool that can be used to measure the noise level of your exhaust. If your exhaust is found to exceed the limit, you could have an on-the-spot fine.
If your exhaust modifications violate the pollution standards, such as removing the catalytic converter, your car will fail an MOT.
Can you modify car suspension?
It’s legal to modify your car’s suspension, as long as it’s lowered properly. The lowering shouldn’t interfere with how the car drives, such as steering or braking. Your headlights will also need to remain at a proper height.
If the work isn’t done by a professional, your car could fail its MOT. If you’re doing the work yourself, it’s best to get it checked by a professional, to ensure it’s road-worthy and safe.
Are spoilers illegal in UK?
Spoilers are legal in the UK, as long as they’re fitted properly. It will need to be fixed to the car securely with no exposed sharp edges. It will also need to be fitted in a position so it doesn’t obstruct your view when driving.
If your car has a spoiler that isn’t fitted correctly, the police can force you to remove it.
Is nitrous oxide conversion legal in the UK?
There’s currently no law in the Highway Code that prohibits the use of nitrous oxide in cars. However, use of nitrous oxide can be extremely dangerous, especially if it isn’t used correctly. Some engines are not able to handle the increased pressure, and so using nitrous oxide can cause damage and can even result in an explosion.
Like with all modifications that affect performance, if you do not tell your car insurer that you’re using nitrous oxide, your insurance will be invalid. You’ll need to check your provider will cover for nitrous oxide modifications.
Looking for a new car? GetCarFinanceHere can find you the best car finance deals from our network of lenders, so you can get on the road in your dream car. Apply for car finance online or contact us for more information.