A large exhaust is the car mod of choice for racers who want to update their car. They are designed to make the car noisier so that it looks like it has a high-performance engine. Most aftermarket exhaust gases are not legal because they are too noisy and do not comply with emissions regulations, so be careful before buying. Do you want to modify your car with tinted windows, a new exhaust or bucket seats? Make sure you stay above the law with our guide to the changes you can legally make to a car in the UK. Tinted windows are legal as long as they meet certain criteria – drivers could break the law if they become too dark or color the wrong windows. Most large and sport exhausts are not legal on public roads in the UK due to their excessive noise levels and additional emissions. There are many rules that govern the changes you can legally make to a car, so it`s worth knowing what`s allowed and not before you make any changes. Here we offer a list of common car modifications and discuss whether they are legal or not. CONTINUE READING: Driving without shoes – is it illegal? While there are no restrictions on the tint of the rear windows and rear windshield, there are restrictions on the type of shades you can legally add to the front windows and windshield.
The law states that at least 70% of the light must be able to pass through the front windows, which rises to 75% for the windshield. It`s about maintaining full visibility and making sure your view isn`t hidden. Do you want to protect yourself against loss after an accident? Take out legal expenses insurance for just £15 a year with RAC Legal Care Plus. However, it`s important to remember that with the increase in technology, the driver of the car still has the most important task to do – and that means they shouldn`t be distracted by entertainment in the car, like staring at a TV screen in the rearview mirror or rummaging through an MP3 player. Moving images within sight of the driver are illegal while driving. Referring to those who want to make similar unique changes to their cars, the spokesperson said: “Vehicle owners are advised to stamp their individuality on their cars, but such changes must be legal or said users literally invite law enforcement.” There are many rules for adapting cars, and the police are more likely to stop vehicles that are modified. This means that all work done must be legal and excessive to avoid fines and penalties. Neon lights can be mounted under a car, although pipes are not allowed to be exposed as this is also illegal.
Tinted windows are undoubtedly one of the most popular car modifications, and it`s perfectly legal to add them. Many high-end cars have them as standard, so they can be a nice addition – provided they`re not too dark or attached to the wrong windows. Under the latter option, the modified vehicle should undergo a roadworthiness test before being declared in working order. The first is a self-declaration system in which the vehicle owner would be required to inform the Ministry of Transport of any changes and indicate that they are both appropriate and legal. Gardai warned Irish drivers about a common feature that is considered legal but in some cases violates Irish law. It is legal to install neon lights on the bottom of a car, provided that they are used only during parking (for example, at a car show or event). However, the neon fawn should not be visible, so it is better to adapt professionally to comply with the law. Serious car modifiers might be tempted to add neon lights to their car`s chassis, but this could land them in hot water. Most neon lights are illegal on UK roads, but there are certain circumstances you can get away with.
However, under normal driving conditions, neon lights are not legal. So if you want to add them, use them only when they are parked. Police will almost certainly be interested in whether a car sounds louder than it should or lets out an excessive amount of smoke. Drivers with an illegal exhaust will be fined £50 on site and an official order to remove them; If they don`t comply, the penalties can be much heavier. Again, it`s not necessarily illegal to add a spoiler to your car, but there are certain conditions you need to meet to avoid getting run over. The spoiler must be securely attached to the car without exposing sharp or dangerous edges. It should also not obscure your point of view, and the police have the right to order you to remove a spoiler if they deem it dangerous. Customizing a car has many gray areas, so you need to make sure that the changes you make are legal. When buying a used car, it can be difficult to detect certain changes, which is why you need to learn as much as possible about the history of the car. Some changes may invalidate insurance or lead to mechanical problems later on. If you`re buying window tints for your car, make sure they come from a reputable retailer and are legal for the type of glass. This guide to coloring your windows has practical tips on how to apply them to your car.
It is extremely important to stay safe and legal when modifying your car. It`s important to remember that too many modifications can interfere with your car`s handling. It could also put you on the wrong side of the law and perhaps your insurance company. The regulations regarding the tinting of windows in Ireland are extremely strict and only allow for a certain change in the legal limits.