Car enthusiasts value their vehicles more than many other things in their lives; it is a prized possession. These people will not hesitate to keep spending money on their car(s) to upgrade, modify, and personalize it to their liking. These modifications can include tinted windows, car wraps, and new exhaust pipes. However, they can only legally do so much, according to the California DMV laws. Here are a handful of those laws.
Sound
There are laws that dictate how loud a vehicle may be. Exhaust systems cannot increase or amplify the amount of sound beyond what is produced by factory equipment. Vehicles that weigh less than 6,000 pounds cannot be louder than 95 decibels; motorcycles are excluded from this. The radio or other sound systems cannot be heard from beyond 50 feet from the vehicle.
Windows
Rear and back side windows can be tinted to any darkness. However, front side windows can only be tinted to a certain darkness. Non-reflective tint is only allowed on the top 4 inches of the front windshield; it is illegal to have non-reflective tint anywhere else.
Engine
All vehicles must pass a smog check, even when it is equipped with a new engine. In addition, all engines must be certified for use and be certified as the same or newer model year of the vehicle. This ensures that it will function properly and meet the proper emissions standards.
Frame and Suspension
No vehicle can be taller than 14 feet in height. There are additional frame regulations according to certain vehicle weights.
Just because it can be illegal to modify a car a certain way does not mean that it is impossible to do it anyway. You may have seen or heard cars that have been illegally modified.
Common illegal car modifications include cars that:
- Are too loud
- Whose front windows are tinted too dark
- Are equipped with radar detectors attached to the windshield of the car
- Are equipped with reflective covering over their license plate
- Have a license plate frame that covers any part of the number, letters, or state name
- Have neon lights under it
Not every state has the exact same car modification laws, so if you ever plan on moving or taking your car out of state, make sure it is legal to drive it there.