Which car modifications are legal in the UK? Illegal car mods to avoid
Learn more about which car mods are legal in the UK and which aren’t allowed by law
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Are car modifications illegal in the UK?
Car modifications are a popular way to personalise your car and stand out from the crowd, but you’ll need to be careful to stay within the law. Some car mods are illegal in the UK and could attract the attention of police.
There are plenty of ways you can modify a car and many of them are legal in the UK, as long as you stay within the guidelines.
Are tinted car windows illegal in the UK?
Tinted windows are a sleek design feature that often come as standard when purchasing a vehicle.
Sam Sheehan, our motoring editor here at cinch, said: “Darkened windows can add secrecy and class to your car, allowing you to cruise around town in style. So, it’s no real surprise that it’s one of the most popular car modifications on the market.
“While it’s perfectly legal to tint your windows, there are a few restrictions to keep in mind. To help you see the road ahead properly, your windscreen must be at least 75% tint-free, whereas your side windows must let 70% (minimum) of light through.
“If you own a car that was made before 1 April 1985, both your front windscreen and side windows must be at least 70% tint-free.”
Fuzzy dice, car stickers and air fresheners
Adding an accessory like a hanging air freshener can add personality to your car while keeping it smelling good, and these are often a safe way to decorate your car.
You’re legally allowed to hang items like air fresheners and fuzzy dice from your mirror, as long as this isn’t blocking your view. The law states you need to have a clear view of the road without obstruction, or you could be hit with a £100 fine and three penalty points on your license.
You should be careful with car stickers as well, as these shouldn’t contain offensive or discriminatory language or block your view around the car.
Can you have neon underglow car lights in the UK? Light restrictions for cars
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It’s a good idea to consult the Road Vehicle Lighting Regulations 1989 for guidance if you’re looking at adding lights to your car.
There are some rules for getting lit up, such as:
You may only have white or yellow headlights and red lights at the rear
Neon underlights are not allowed in blue or green colours, due to the resemblance to emergency service vehicles. Blue or green lights are not allowed anywhere on the vehicle
You can add neon underlights to your car, but these cannot be flashing, at the back of the car, or a distraction on the roads
Exhaust modifications in the UK
Some people love the roar and rumble of a modified exhaust, but other road users can find issue with the loud noise.
Exhaust modifications are legal in the UK, but the noise cannot exceed 74 decibels. For cars manufactured from 2016 onwards, the noise limit is 72 decibels.
All cars undergo an Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA) to test that they meet exhaust noise regulations. This means police can easily test and see if the car is breaking the rules.
Car sound system upgrades
You’re in luck if you like a car karaoke session – you can legally upgrade your vehicle’s sound system.
You just need to be wary of the volume while you’re driving, as playing loud music while driving can land you a fine under Rule 148 of the Highway Code.
If music is excessively loud and prevents you from hearing cars and other road hazards, you could be fined up to £5,000.