Adding aftermarket parts to your car can increase horsepower, improve performance, and give your car an individual look, but it’s important to be aware of local modification laws before you get started. Making unlawful vehicle modifications can result in a citation and you will have to undo all of the work you’ve done. Before adding a high-performance muffler, window tints, or any other aftermarket vehicle upgrades, check to make sure they are legal in your area.
Legal Upgrades
There are plenty of modifications you can make that are perfectly legal and will greatly enhance your vehicle, but here are a few of the things you should avoid when performing aftermarket upgrades to your vehicle in Utah:
- Under vehicle lighting, including neon lights. Other types of nonstandard lighting may be illegal as well.
- Changing the clearance level of the vehicle (raising or lowering it).
- Altering any devices that have to do with air control or emissions.
- Tinting the windows past certain levels, especially the front windows or the windshield.
Consult Your Local Mechanic
In addition to these common illegal upgrades, you may want to consult with a local mechanic shop or a motor vehicle department worker when making changes that will affect any safety equipment on your vehicle. These include seat belts, brakes, mirrors, reflectors, lights, tires, horns, or windshields. Making any modifications to the muffler can also be touchy. Installing a higher performance muffler is a common upgrade that people make, but you will need to check around to make sure the upgrade you are considering is legal for your vehicle.
Penalties for Non-compliance
Check with your local authorities before making modifications to make sure the things you have planned won’t be in violation of any laws. If you do end up getting a citation for vehicle modifications, it is usually a fix-it ticket that will be removed from your record once you have removed the aftermarket part or modified it to meet local specifications. Failing to make the required changes could result in a fine and a permanent point on your record.
