How to Ride in Style Without Breaking the Law
Looking to customize your car? Before you go too crazy, you'll probably want to know what's acceptable or not, depending on where you live. Some modifications may be illegal, so it's important you know the limits before pimping your ride. If you're ready to see how to style your vehicle, here are 10 mods you should never do—and 10 popular ones to do instead.
1. Overly Bright Lights
While overly bright lights may help you see better on the road, they certainly don't help anyone else around you. In fact, the glare from these will likely blind other drivers and may cause dangerous maneuvers or accidents.
2. Loud Exhaust
An overly loud exhaust may also sound cool to you and impress your friends, but depending on how severely you modify it, it could be illegal. As much as you want to customize your ride, remember not to go overboard.
3. License Plate Frames
We get it—some license plate frames are so unique that you can't help but get them. But if these frames block off any important information on your plate, such as numbers or text. It’s recommended that you bring the frame (or a photo of it) to a motor licensing office and confirm if it’s acceptable.
4. Dark Window Tints
Window tinting is such a popular modification that you’ll likely see more vehicles with this customization than not. But just like a loud exhaust, you also don't want to go overboard with the tinting. Different states and regions have their own regulations, so make sure you know what the percentage limit is before you get this done.
5. No Red & Blue Lights
For obvious reasons, modifying your car to have red and blue lights is illegal. You might think it'd be fun to pretend to be a police officer or an emergency vehicle, but you could be handed a hefty fine or a more serious punishment. Trust us—it's not worth the hassle.
6. Underbody Neon Lights
Depending on the state or region you reside in, there may also be strict laws prohibiting the use of underbody neon lights. You certainly don't want to install red and blue lights or flashing strobe lights, as these could lead to major fines.
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7. Heavily Altered Entertainment System
Sure, a bass system that you can feel in your bones might be enticing, but it's probably not the best thing for the people around you. Plus, if your neighborhood or local area has strict laws on noise ordinances, you might want to crank your tunes down.
8. Lifted Truck
Save the gigantic monster trucks for the off-road adventures! We get that these bad boys look unique and formidable on the road, but they'll put you—and others—in danger, as you won't be able to see other cars stopped next to you as clearly. Be sure to check the laws specific to your state or region to see how high you can lift your vehicle.
9. Metal-Studded Tires
Unless the weather calls for it, you shouldn't be making any extreme modifications to your tires—especially studding them. While these are generally legal, the laws and regulations differ depending on which state you're from. In particular, Florida, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, and Texas have prohibited the use of metal studs.
10. Laser Jammer
Though laser jammers are available for purchase in the US, don't automatically assume you can use them on the road. These jammers produce an error or an inaccurate reading when a police officer's LIDAR gun is aimed at them, giving you time to correct your speed and slow down. However, they're also illegal in several states, like California, Colorado, Illinois, and Utah, among others, so think twice before you try installing these.
Now that we've covered some illegal modifications you should never do, let's jump into 10 popular, legal ones to do instead.
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1. Car Wraps
If you're looking for a fresh design or wanting to rock a different color without getting a paint job, car wraps are your new best friend. They generally last for a couple of years, too, which means you don't have to continually get it retouched, or, if you have a change of mind, you can easily swap it for another pattern.
2. Legal Window Tints
As previously mentioned, window tints are a popular modification and most cars will have them installed. While you should be careful to not go too dark, they lend privacy and can help block out heat and glare from sunlight.
3. Tires
Tired of your tires looking the same as everyone else's on the road, or just want to get something better? Take your car shoe shopping and find better kicks that suit your driving needs and reflect your personal aesthetic preferences.
4. Ergonomic Seats
Just like your office chair should be comfortable to sit in for an eight-hour workday, your car seats should also provide the same comfort. You can either keep it simple by adding a few cushions or by upgrading your seats entirely.
5. Legal Exhaust Modifications
Like with window tinting, it's generally okay to modify your exhaust for better performance and to get a louder, more powerful sound—but just make sure you're within legal limits. Don't take out necessary parts (like the catalytic converter) or fiddle too much with the muffler.
6. Customized Wheel Designs
Many people might only think about getting exterior car mods, which means they tend to overlook the nifty ways they can alter their vehicle's interior look and feel. Getting a customized steering wheel design is a prime example; sure, you can slap on a cover for an easy change-up, but why not go above and beyond?
7. Car Door Lights
If you really want to catch the attention of everyone around you when popping out of your car, then you should get car door lights. These aren't as simple as lighting up when you open the door; instead, this rare modification can even project your car's logo or company name on the floor when you step out.
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8. Racing Stripes
Even if you're not a Formula One racer, that doesn't mean you can't still attach some stripes on your car to pretend like you are. This modification is relatively cheap as well, so you don't need to break the bank if you want to add a touch of sportiness to your vehicle.
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9. Superchargers
Before you decide to install this modification, you'll need to first make sure you have a compatible engine. Adding a supercharger can significantly boost your horsepower and overall performance, but unless you're a certified car expert, it's best to let a professional handle this alteration.
10. Interior Lighting Kit
Sure, you might not be able to add cool neon lights to the exterior of your car, but the same rules don't apply to the interior. Pick up an easy-to-install lighting kit and change up the feel of your car with an LED glow. Some options even allow you to sync your lights to the beat of your music.
