A MAJOR tyre manufacturer has revealed five car modifications that could cost you megabucks.
The list includes tinted windows, different coloured lights and even dangerous stickers.
ShutterstockA tyre manufacturer has revealed what car modifications can land you in trouble and one is having coloured lights[/caption]
Luckily ATS Euromaster is on hand to make sure you don’t get caught out and slapped with a fine.
1. Tinted Windows
Many drivers do not realise that tinted windows can cause problems.
But excessive tinting can obstruct the driver’s view and can result in a whopping fine of up to £1000.
This includes three penalty points and removal of the tint or even being reported to court, according to ATS Euromaster.
It said: “Legally, the front windscreen must let through at least 75% of light for vehicles first used on 1 April 1985 or later.
“For vehicles first used before April 1, 1985, the front windscreen,
and both front side window glasses, must all let through at least 70 percent of light.”
2. Loud exhausts
The Department For Transport states a new plan will allow “local councils to roll out noise cameras to target unacceptable vehicle modifications.”
This is to target modified illegal exhaust systems and to help track down road users who break the law by revving their engines unnecessarily.
The cameras will automatically detect vehicles that breach the legal noise limit of 72dBA (A-weighted decibels).
Drivers found guilty could face a £50 fine per offence or be reported to court.
3. Neon Lights
This is one of the more surprising modifications on the list – but nevertheless neon lights can land you in hot water.
Over the past couple of years, neon lights have taken over as the latest trend on TikTok and Instagram especially with car modifications.
Although there are no laws prohibiting the fitting of vehicle under glow, there are some strict rules on the types of lights you can display and where.
Blue lights cannot be displayed in any direction of your vehicle as they can be confused with an emergency vehicle, according to The Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations.
A white light at the back of the vehicle is also not allowed as this can confuse drivers.
And green lights are banned as they are used by doctors on call so cannot be used by drivers.
Red lights at the front of the car are also prohibited.
A penalty for having the wrong lights can easily be avoided by not using any lights that can confuse drivers and not having a prohibited colour.
But if these rules are ignored you could face a £50 fine or be reported to court.
4. Stickers and Decals
Although stickers are a fun way to personalise your car and can be important, e.g., having a child on board, there are some legal limitations.
The highway code states that a driver’s windscreen must be kept
clear of obstructions that interfere with vision.
This includes any excessive window sticker that may be too large or incorrectly placed and can obstruct or impair the driver’s view.
Not only could this lead to a hefty £100 fine on the spot and three points on your license but it is also the main issue for MOT failures.
5. Number Plate Modifications
If a vehicle has illegal or incorrectly displayed number plates, you could face a penalty of £1,000.
This includes a number plate that is spaced incorrectly, coloured screws, tape to make characters look different, and reflective coating on registration plates as this can prevent cameras from being able to identify them.
AlamyDrivers can face fines of up to £1,000 for having illegal motor modifications[/caption]