Car tuning is the change or modification of a car from its original state. The purpose of car tuning is very diverse, it can be to improve performance, enhance aesthetics, or simply express the owner's personality.
According to statistics from the Vietnam Register in 2024, about 15-20% of car owners have the need to change or upgrade some parts of the car.
Car modification is a form of personality expression and enhances the driving experience for many people. However, improper car modification can lead to serious consequences for traffic safety and the environment.
This article will provide detailed information on the legal regulations related to car modification, common violations and corresponding penalties, as well as instructions on how to modify your car legally and safely.
Car modification is the act of affecting and changing the structure, shape, or features of a car compared to the original design of the manufacturer. This act includes activities such as changing the frame, engine, operating system, or exterior appearance of the car.
Article 55 of the 2008 Road Traffic Law stipulates that the production, assembly, modification and repair of motor vehicles participating in road traffic must comply with regulations on technical safety quality and environmental protection.
Common types of car modifications include exterior, interior, engine, suspension and brake modifications. However, illegal car modifications, especially engine modifications, can significantly increase toxic emissions. Therefore, car owners need to seek permission from the competent authority before performing car modifications and ensure that the modified car still meets technical safety and environmental protection inspection standards.
Car tuning and accessory installation are two different concepts. Car tuning usually involves changing the structure or features of the car, while accessory installation simply involves adding components that do not change the basic structure of the car.
For example: Installing a dash cam, reverse sensors, leather seat covers, etc. is installing accessories, not modifying the car.
Car tuning is very diverse, including exterior/interior tuning, engine tuning, suspension and braking systems.
The European Environment Agency's 'Vehicle Tuning and Environmental Impact' report (2024) shows that illegal engine tuning can increase harmful emissions by up to 200% above standard levels.
Car modification must comply with the provisions of law on technical safety and environmental protection. Car owners must obtain permission from the competent authority before modifying their cars and must ensure that the modified car meets inspection standards.
Motor vehicles must meet technical safety and environmental protection standards when participating in traffic.
Some car modification acts are strictly prohibited by law, including arbitrarily changing the structure, components, steering system, and brakes of the car; changing the car's paint color in violation of regulations; and adding lights, horns, and audio equipment that do not meet standards.
Depending on the severity of the violation, individuals can be fined from 300.000 VND to 6.000.000 VND, while organizations can be fined from 600.000 VND to 12.000.000 VND.
Arbitrarily changing the structure, assembly, steering system, and brakes of a car is a serious violation and will be severely punished.
Penalty:
For example: Changing the steering system from mechanical to electronic, changing the braking system from conventional to ABS, changing the engine to a more powerful one...
Changing the color of a vehicle must be done in accordance with the law. The vehicle owner must complete the procedure for changing the color of the vehicle at the vehicle registration office.
Penalty:
For example: Arbitrarily painting the car a color different from the color registered in the vehicle registration.
Adding lights, horns, and sound equipment that do not meet standards can cause traffic insecurity and noise pollution.
Penalty:
For example: Adding LED lights, HID lights, sirens, alarms, etc. in violation of regulations.
In addition to the above acts, there are a number of other violations related to vehicle modification, such as:
Fines for these acts range from VND800.000 to VND2.000.000 for individuals and from VND1.600.000 to VND4.000.000 for organizations.
To avoid fines and ensure safety, vehicle owners should carefully study the legal regulations before making any changes to the vehicle.
To legally modify a vehicle, the owner must comply with the law and ensure that the changes do not affect traffic safety and the environment.
Some types of accessories and toys are allowed to be installed on vehicles without permission, including:
However, these changes must ensure technical standards and be selected from genuine spare parts.
In case of making more major changes, the car owner needs to ask for permission from the authorities. The process of asking for permission includes the following steps:
To ensure that car modification is safe and legal, car owners need to pay attention to some important issues.
Choosing a reputable auto repair shop is very important to ensure the quality and safety of the car. Car owners should choose auto garages with operating licenses, experienced technicians, and use genuine spare parts.
Keeping invoices and documents when purchasing car parts and accessories will help prove the origin and quality of the product. This is especially important when registering the vehicle after modification.
After modifying a vehicle, the owner must conduct a vehicle inspection to ensure that the changes meet technical safety and environmental protection standards. According to the Vietnam Register, 85% of vehicles that have passed a thorough inspection will pass the registration smoothly.
Having adequate car insurance will help minimize financial risks in the event of an accident or incident involving a modified vehicle. Car owners should carefully read the insurance terms to ensure their rights.
Illegal car modification can cause many serious harms, affecting traffic safety, the environment, and urban aesthetics.
Illegal modifications to a vehicle can alter the structure and systems of the vehicle, affecting its performance and safety. For example, modifications to the brake system can reduce braking efficiency, increasing the risk of an accident.
Illegal vehicle modification can increase vehicle emissions and noise, causing environmental pollution. For example, changing the exhaust system can increase toxic emissions, affecting human health.
Illegal car modification can ruin the urban beauty, affecting the image of the city. For example, applying too many colorful decals or installing strange accessories can ruin the beauty of the car and cause discomfort to the viewer.
Wheel modification can be fined if it does not comply with regulations on size and specifications. Car owners should choose rims that are suitable for the car and do not change the safety structure of the car. See the advantages and disadvantages of upgrading large rims for cars at the link: https://thanhphongauto.com/nang-cap-mam-co-lon-cho-o-to/.
Lifting a vehicle can be punishable if it changes the overall height of the vehicle beyond the permitted limit. Typically, the permitted limit is 4cm. Vehicle owners should carefully read the law before raising their vehicle.
Rearview mirror modifications are not subject to penalties if they meet standards for size, shape, and visibility. Vehicle owners should not install mirrors that are too small or that obstruct visibility. You can refer to the following Note when adjusting the electric folding rearview mirror of the car safe, no penalty
Job car lights must comply with regulations on light intensity, color, and beam angle. Vehicle owners should not install lights with too high light intensity or that cause glare to road users.
Vehicle decals may require permission if they change the color or image on the vehicle. Vehicle owners should consult with the authorities before applying decals to avoid being fined.
To No vehicle inspection failure when modifying the vehicle, the vehicle owner must comply with the provisions of the law and ensure that the changes do not affect traffic safety and the environment. The vehicle owner should conduct a vehicle inspection after modification to ensure that the vehicle meets technical standards.
Thanh Phong Auto is a reputable address in Ho Chi Minh City providing services. custom cars Professional. With a team of experienced technicians, having carried out thousands of car modification projects from simple to high-end, Thanh Phong Auto is committed to providing breakthrough and accurate services.
The garage is equipped with high-tech equipment, ensuring the installation and upgrade process is quick, safe and accurate.
Featured services include:
With many years of experience, modern equipment and genuine products, Thanh Phong Auto is proud to be the leading professional car tuning address in Ho Chi Minh City.
* The cars that we have mechanics: Mercedes, BMW, Audi, Lexus, Toyota, Honda, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Kia, Daewoo, Hyundai,Ford, Nissan, Volkswagen, Porsche, Chevrolet, Rand Rover, Innova, Fortuner, Vios, Fiat, Bugatti, Ferrari, Bentley, Hummer , Chrysler, Dodge, Renault, Cadillac, Volvo, Subaru, Daihatsu, Ssangyong, Roll-Royce, Peugeot, Smart Fortwo, Tobe M'car, Luxgen, Zotye, Haima, Geely, Baic, Hongqi, Cmc, Mini Cooper, Buick, Opel, Acura, Aston Martin, Vinfast, TQ Wuling, BYD.
Since 2019, Thanh Phong Auto was selected to link formal training with the Thu Duc College of Technology, Vietnam-USA College, Binh Duong University, University of Science and Technology, Van Lang University. This helps Guarantee for quality and standards at Thanh Phong AutoYou can rest assured about the quality and skills of the technicians here.
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