8 Illegal Car Mods in California

8 Illegal Car Modifications in California

What Car Mods Are Illegal in California?

Car modifications are such a fundamental part of car culture that it’s difficult to go a day without spotting a customized vehicle. However, just because certain mods are widespread doesn’t mean they’re all legal. California is known for having some of the strictest car modification laws in the country. While modifying cars is popular among car enthusiasts, it’s crucial to understand which modifications are illegal in the state to avoid hefty fines and legal issues. Here are 8 illegal car mods in California.

1. Window Tints and Visibility

With sunny days practically year-round, window tinting is a popular car mod in California. However, excessive window tinting is illegal. California state law mandates the following:

• The front windshield cannot have any tint that blocks light transmission — only the top 4 inches of the windshield may have tint
• The front-side windows must allow more than 70% of light to be transmitted
• Any tint darkness is allowed for the back-side windows and rear windshield

Many drivers are tempted to install darker tints for aesthetics or to keep the interior cool. However, doing so can result in a citation and a mandatory removal of the tint.

On the other hand, a person may get additional window tints under certain circumstances. For example, if the individual has a document signed by a licensed surgeon and physician certifying that the person must be shaded from the sun due to a medical condition.

Fines for Illegal Window Tint

• First-time violation: a fix-it ticket
• Second violation: $25 ticket and order to remove the tint
• Third violation: $197 fine and an infraction

2. Automatic License Plate Covers

Automatic license plate covers, designed to obscure or hide the vehicle’s license plate from traffic cameras or law enforcement, are illegal in California. These devices can be manually operated or triggered automatically when the driver approaches a traffic camera or toll road.

California Vehicle Code Section 5201 requires license plates to be clearly visible and legible at all times. Using automatic covers can result in steep penalties because they hinder law enforcement from identifying vehicles, especially regarding traffic violations and toll roads.

Coverings, casings, or placards cannot be used if they obstruct the recognition of license plates by an electronic device operated by law enforcement or in connection with a toll road or toll bridge. Violating this code will result in an infraction punishable by a $196 fine.

3. Turbochargers and Superchargers

While turbochargers and superchargers can significantly boost a car’s performance by increasing engine power, they are illegal in California if they do not comply with emissions standards. California has some of the strictest environmental regulations in the country, and these mods can lead to higher emissions of harmful pollutants. Many turbos are not approved under California Vehicle Code Section 27156.

Any modification that alters the vehicle’s emissions system must be certified by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to be street legal. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in heavy fines and even the vehicle being impounded.

4. Loud Mufflers and Exhaust

One of the most common illegal vehicle modifications in California is installing loud exhaust systems or mufflers. Drivers often modify their exhaust systems to make their cars sound louder, either for the thrill or for aesthetic reasons. However, this can be startling and distracting for other road users.

California Vehicle Code 27151 states that a car’s exhaust noise cannot have a sound level of 95 decibels (dbA) or less if the vehicle’s gross vehicle weight is less than 6,000 lbs, excluding motorcycles.

Police officers can “exercise their judgment” to issue citations based on the sound of the exhaust alone. California’s “fix-it” tickets mandate drivers to fix the issue within a certain time frame or face further penalties. Fines for a loud muffler can range from $25 for a first offense to $1,000 for repeated or severe offenses.

5. Cold Air Intakes

Cold air intake systems are a popular mod for a car enthusiast looking to enhance engine performance by increasing airflow. However, in California, any cold air intake not on a CARB approval list is illegal.

These systems can potentially alter a vehicle’s emissions by increasing the amount of oxygen in the combustion process, which can lead to higher levels of pollutants being emitted. Before installing a cold air intake, drivers should ensure that it has been approved by the California Air Resources Board to avoid fines and having to revert the modification.

For car modifications like cold air intake systems, you can only install the equipment if the aftermarket manufacturer has undergone the expensive CARB accreditation procedure and has been approved.

6. Catalytic Converter Removal

Catalytic converters are essential for reducing a vehicle’s emissions, and removing them is illegal in California. This component helps to filter harmful pollutants from the exhaust before they are released into the atmosphere. Some car enthusiasts remove the catalytic converter to increase horsepower or change the exhaust sound, but this can have serious environmental consequences.

Under California law, vehicles are required to have fully operational catalytic converters that meet specific emissions standards. According to California Vehicle Code Section 27156, tampering with or removing a catalytic converter can result in heavy fines, and the car will likely fail mandatory emissions tests. The STAR smog check program tests to ensure vehicles are equipped with proper catalytic converters.

7. Police Lights

Operating a civilian vehicle with police-style lights or sirens on public roads is illegal. In California, it’s specifically illegal to have blue or red lights operating on the front of a car. Mimicking law enforcement vehicles and emergency lights can confuse road users and is considered a criminal offense.

In addition, other drivers and pedestrians may mistake a red light in the front of your car for brake lights. Drivers caught with these lighting modifications can face heavy fines and potential jail time.

8. Rolling Coal

Modifying a diesel truck engine to emit large plumes of black smoke, known as “rolling coal,” is illegal in California. This modification is not only harmful to the environment but also poses a safety hazard to other drivers by reducing visibility on the road. Under California Vehicle Code Section 27156, the California Highway Patrol or local police can cite a driver for rolling coal.

Other Mods That Can Be Illegal in California

Studded Tires

Studded tires are highly regulated and only permitted in extreme winter conditions like snow and ice. These tires have metal studs embedded in them for better traction on ice. Studded snow tires are permitted in California from November 1st until April 30th each year. Outside of this period, they are not allowed on California roads.

Under Body Neons and Underglow

Underbody neon lights, or underglow, are banned in some states due to safety concerns. These lights can distract other drivers and may be confused with emergency vehicle lights.

In California, these lights are legal as long as they are not red or blue, which is reserved for emergency services. It’s crucial to check local regulations before installing underglow on your vehicle.

Lifted Trucks

Lifted trucks, modified to sit higher off the ground, are banned in some states due to safety concerns. A higher center of gravity can increase the risk of rollover accidents, and the raised height can impair the driver’s ability to see smaller vehicles or pedestrians. Studies have revealed that there is a strong correlation between the sales of large trucks, like SUVs and pickup trucks, and an increase in pedestrian fatalities.

In California, lifted trucks are legal, but they must meet specific vehicle height and safety requirements to ensure they are safe to operate on public roads. The maximum frame height can depend on a vehicle’s gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR). For example, a vehicle with a GVWR under 4,500 can have a maximum frame height of 27 inches.

Is Modding Cars Illegal in California?

While California has strict regulations, modding cars is not outright illegal in California. Drivers should know that local laws vary from state to state, and a modification that is illegal in one region may be legal in another. However, those who modify their cars illegally will likely receive a ticket and be required to remove the illegal modifications.

Illegal modifications can be dangerous and increase the risk of car accidents. If the driver of an illegally modified vehicle causes an accident, they can be held liable. For example, if an illegal exhaust system fails to comply with state noise laws and causes a distraction, the driver could be found responsible for any resulting injuries or damages.

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