If you thought upgrading your ride to turn heads would be a good idea, hold onto your steering wheel because not all car transformations are legal in America. While we all enjoy a bit of customization for our motorcars, we suggest leaving these 15 mods for the people in Hollywood.
Radar Detectors
These are like guardian angels for speed demons, alerting drivers when law enforcement radar guns are tracking their velocity. They’re the ultimate tool for those who enjoy pushing the speed limit without the hassle of a traffic ticket. However, these gadgets are a big no-no in several states.
Overly Bright Headlights
If you thought having super-bright luminescence on your vehicle would be a shining example of safety, you couldn’t be more wrong. This equipment is outlawed as it poses a hazard — not to you but to other drivers.
Loud Exhaust
Ah, the classic move of revving your engine to draw attention. But, when your exhaust is so loud it sets off car alarms two blocks away, you don’t seem to be impressing anyone – except maybe the local noise ordinance enforcer.
License Plate Covers
Many folks love adding personal touches to their vehicles, turning them into reflections of their unique style and personality. Some even jazz up license plates with decorative frames. But it could land you in hot water if the frame covers your license plate completely or makes it unreadable.
Rolling Coal
Some motorists take their automobiles to the next level, decking them out with smoke switches and smokestacks for maximum effect. Yes, it’s eye-catching, but this practice is a strict violation of the Clean Air Act. Tampering with emission control devices is a strict violation.
Neon Lights
Another popular feature that often steals the spotlight is neon lights mounted underneath automobiles. Though quite cool, these illuminators don’t do much for the motorcar’s performance. Rather, they can be a real distraction, which is a good enough reason why they are illegal.
Dark Window Tints
Originally, tinted windows were a rage among celebrities, shielding them from the paparazzi. But nowadays, even regular folks seek protection with tinted glasses. Sure, they’re a godsend when the sun’s beating down, but every state has rules regarding how much tint you can slap on those side and rear windows.
Cold Air Intake
Cold air intake apparatus ranks high among the top aftermarket upgrades. Once installed, they typically unleash a torrent of horsepower from your engine – and who doesn’t love a bit more oomph under the hood, right? Well, various towns have deemed these set-ups illegal within their borders.
Extremely Loud Stereo Systems
Who says roaring exhausts are the only mods that get you in trouble over noise? Even with today’s fancy entertainment set-ups, many automobilists crave that extra flair while cruising. Before turning your motorcar into a rolling concert venue, remember this: most towns have strict laws against sound pollution.
Nitrous Oxide System
The Fast and The Furious franchise brought nitrous oxide into the spotlight, introducing it to a whole new audience of racers looking for that extra kick in street races. It might seem like a must-have in any street racer’s arsenal, but it’s forbidden in many parts of the U.S.
Lifted Suspension
Off-road enthusiasts swear by the necessity of a raised truck for conquering water-filled mud bogs. But when you’re back on the asphalt, things can get dicey. With your wheels towering over the cars next to you at a stoplight, visibility becomes challenging, and safety takes a hit.
Very Low Suspension
Lifted suspensions are not allowed, but so are low ones. They come with their fair share of risks — for instance, your machine might get a beating from the first bump it encounters. Plus, some regions have rules about how low you can drop your sedan’s suspension.
Colored LED Headlight Bulbs
Neons aren’t the only light-based modifications one can make to their sedans. Think twice before screwing in those colored bulbs – many areas aren’t too keen on them, and you won’t be too thrilled about the fine that comes with it.
Metal Studded Tires
Studded tires are excellent or a total buzzkill, depending on the location and situation. They are perfectly legal in many areas where winter unleashes its icy grip. But when the snow melts and the roads clear, they turn into wrecking balls, leaving tarmac in their wake.
Light Rigs On The Roof
We’ve all witnessed truckers splurge on upgrades, and one of their go-to favorites is a snazzy beam rig on the roof, perfect for illuminating those after-dark off-roading escapades. It’s not always the rig itself that’s the issue here — it’s when a motorist decides to flip the switch on.
