Car modifications can enhance style and performance, but not all modifications are legal. Here are 21 illegal car modifications that can get you in trouble with the law across various states.
1. Dark Window Tinting
![Don't Get Pulled Over: 21 Car Mods That Are Totally Illegal 1 shutterstock 737787838](https://mechanicinsider.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/shutterstock_737787838.jpg)
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Parilov
Excessively dark window tints that restrict visibility are illegal in many states due to safety concerns.
2. Loud Exhaust Systems
![Don't Get Pulled Over: 21 Car Mods That Are Totally Illegal 2 shutterstock 2245957229](https://mechanicinsider.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/shutterstock_2245957229.jpg)
Image Credit: Shutterstock / macondo
Modifications that significantly increase noise, like certain aftermarket exhaust systems, can violate noise ordinance laws.
3. Emission System Removal
![Don't Get Pulled Over: 21 Car Mods That Are Totally Illegal 3 shutterstock 516598279 1 1](https://mechanicinsider.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/shutterstock_516598279-1-1.jpg)
Image Credit: Shutterstock / NDAB Creativity
Removing or tampering with the emissions control system of a car is illegal under federal law, including the catalytic converter.
4. Neon Underglow Lights
![Don't Get Pulled Over: 21 Car Mods That Are Totally Illegal 4 shutterstock 2145418035 1](https://mechanicinsider.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/shutterstock_2145418035-1.jpg)
Image Credit: Shutterstock / OATZ To Go FACTORY
While not universally illegal, many states have restrictions on the type and color of underglow lighting due to distraction and impersonation of law enforcement vehicles.
5. Radar Detectors (in certain states)
![Don't Get Pulled Over: 21 Car Mods That Are Totally Illegal 5 shutterstock 1259403319](https://mechanicinsider.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/shutterstock_1259403319.jpg)
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Vilgun
In some states, including Virginia and Washington D.C., using radar detectors is illegal.
6. License Plate Covers
![Don't Get Pulled Over: 21 Car Mods That Are Totally Illegal 6 shutterstock 543155362](https://mechanicinsider.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/shutterstock_543155362.jpg)
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Cory Woodruff
Smoked or tinted license plate covers that obscure the visibility of the plate numbers are illegal in many states.
7. Off-road LED Light Bars
![Don't Get Pulled Over: 21 Car Mods That Are Totally Illegal 7 shutterstock 1020021220](https://mechanicinsider.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/shutterstock_1020021220.jpg)
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Rose Marinelli
Using off-road LED light bars on public roads can be illegal as they can blind other drivers due to their brightness and angle.
8. Super Dark Window Tinting on Windshield
![Don't Get Pulled Over: 21 Car Mods That Are Totally Illegal 8 shutterstock 658763410](https://mechanicinsider.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/shutterstock_658763410.jpg)
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Africa Studio
Most states have specific regulations on how much of the windshield can be tinted and how dark the tint can be.
9. Nitrous Oxide
![Don't Get Pulled Over: 21 Car Mods That Are Totally Illegal 9 shutterstock 1577050696](https://mechanicinsider.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/shutterstock_1577050696.jpg)
Image Credit: Shutterstock / socrates471
While having a nitrous oxide system isn’t necessarily illegal, using it on public roads is against the law in many places.
10. Certain Spoilers and Body Kits
![Don't Get Pulled Over: 21 Car Mods That Are Totally Illegal 10 shutterstock 198792350](https://mechanicinsider.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/shutterstock_198792350.jpg)
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Nejron Photo
Spoilers and body kits that could be deemed unsafe—either due to their dimensions or material quality—might not be street legal.
11. Raised or Lowered Suspensions
![Don't Get Pulled Over: 21 Car Mods That Are Totally Illegal 11 shutterstock 1224709480](https://mechanicinsider.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/shutterstock_1224709480.jpg)
Image Credit: Shutterstock / alexfan32
Extremely altered vehicle heights, either too low or too high, can be illegal due to safety concerns with visibility and stability.
12. Loud Stereo Systems
![Don't Get Pulled Over: 21 Car Mods That Are Totally Illegal 12 shutterstock 25176187](https://mechanicinsider.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/shutterstock_25176187.jpg)
Image Credit: Shutterstock / photostar72
Sound systems that can be heard from a certain distance may violate local noise ordinances, making them illegal.
13. Dangling Ornaments
![Don't Get Pulled Over: 21 Car Mods That Are Totally Illegal 13 shutterstock 2215714731](https://mechanicinsider.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/shutterstock_2215714731.jpg)
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Josu Ozkaritz
Objects hanging from the rear-view mirror that obstruct the driver’s view can be considered illegal in some states.
14. Unauthorized Police Lights
![Don't Get Pulled Over: 21 Car Mods That Are Totally Illegal 14 shutterstock 1898018644](https://mechanicinsider.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/shutterstock_1898018644.jpg)
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Daniel Tadevosyan
The use of police-style strobe lights is illegal for non-law enforcement personnel in almost every state.
15. Fake Airbag Covers
![Don't Get Pulled Over: 21 Car Mods That Are Totally Illegal 15 shutterstock 305220545](https://mechanicinsider.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/shutterstock_305220545.jpg)
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Pakphoto
Replacing functional airbag panels with fake covers is illegal and extremely dangerous.
16. Wheel Spacers
![Don't Get Pulled Over: 21 Car Mods That Are Totally Illegal 16 shutterstock 1529502422](https://mechanicinsider.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/shutterstock_1529502422.jpg)
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Vladimir Razgulyaev
Using wheel spacers to push the wheels out further from the car can be illegal if they compromise the vehicle’s safety.
17. Illegal Tire Modifications
![Don't Get Pulled Over: 21 Car Mods That Are Totally Illegal 17 shutterstock 330620324](https://mechanicinsider.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/shutterstock_330620324.jpg)
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Engin Sezer
Certain modifications that affect tire tread depth and pattern can render tires illegal on public roadways.
18. Non-Compliant Bumpers
![Don't Get Pulled Over: 21 Car Mods That Are Totally Illegal 18 shutterstock 771029929](https://mechanicinsider.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/shutterstock_771029929.jpg)
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Dhammarat Nunart
Bumpers that do not meet federal safety standards can be illegal, particularly if they are too high or too low.
19. Blue Headlights
![Don't Get Pulled Over: 21 Car Mods That Are Totally Illegal 19 shutterstock 792878326](https://mechanicinsider.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/shutterstock_792878326.jpg)
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Oleksiy Mark
Headlights that emit a blue light similar to emergency vehicles are typically illegal due to the potential confusion they cause.
20. Racing Harnesses
![Don't Get Pulled Over: 21 Car Mods That Are Totally Illegal 20 shutterstock 2129999447](https://mechanicinsider.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/shutterstock_2129999447.jpg)
Image Credit: Shutterstock / DimaCool
Replacing standard seatbelts with racing harnesses in a daily driver can be illegal if they don’t meet safety standards for on-road use.
21. Cut Springs
![Don't Get Pulled Over: 21 Car Mods That Are Totally Illegal 21 pexels cottonbro 7564858](https://mechanicinsider.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/pexels-cottonbro-7564858.jpg)
Image Credit: Shutterstock / cottonbro studio
Cutting springs to lower a vehicle is not only unsafe but also illegal, as it can affect the vehicle’s handling and stability.
Double Check
![Don't Get Pulled Over: 21 Car Mods That Are Totally Illegal 22 shutterstock 1140637454](https://mechanicinsider.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/shutterstock_1140637454.jpg)
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Nomad_Soul
Before you make modifications to your vehicle, it’s crucial to check the specific laws in your state or municipality to ensure that you are in compliance. Illegal modifications can lead to fines, vehicle impoundment, and even legal trouble, not to mention potential safety hazards.
More Articles Like This…
Barcelona: Discover the Top 10 Beach Clubs
2024 Global City Travel Guide – Your Passport to the World’s Top Destination Cities
Exploring Khao Yai 2024 – A Hidden Gem of Thailand
The post Don’t Get Pulled Over: 21 Car Mods That Are Totally Illegal republished on Passing Thru with permission from The Green Voyage.
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Gorodenkoff.
For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.
Tips for Trip Success
Book Your Flight
Find an inexpensive flight by using Kayak, a favorite of ours because it regularly returns less expensive flight options from a variety of airlines.
Book Your Hotel or Special Accommodation
We are big fans of Booking.com. We like their review system and photos. If we want to see more reviews and additional booking options, we go to Expedia.
You Need Travel Insurance!
Good travel insurance means having total peace of mind. Travel insurance protects you when your medical insurance often will not and better than what you get from your credit card. It will provide comprehensive coverage should you need medical treatment or return to the United States, compensation for trip interruption, baggage loss, and other situations. Find the Perfect Insurance Plan for Your Trip
PassingThru is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
To view PassingThru’s privacy policy, click here.