What are the laws about vehicle modifications?

In Pennsylvania, vehicle modifications are subject to several laws. Firstly, any modifications to a vehicle must be approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT). This includes changes to the exterior and interior of the vehicle, as well as any alterations to performance. Without PennDOT approval, the vehicle cannot legally be operated on public roads or highways. In addition, any modifications must meet the standards established by the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS). This includes items such as lights, tires, brakes, and car bodies, among other things. To ensure that modifications are up to standard, the Pennsylvania State Police are required to conduct inspections. Any vehicle modifications that result in a change of color must be reported to PennDOT. The report must include the vehicle model, year, color, and VIN number. The owner must also submit a written statement to PennDOT that the modification has been performed in accordance with the FMVSS. Finally, modifications that affect the vehicle’s emissions levels must be reported to the state’s Air Quality Program. This includes installing after-market exhaust systems, which must meet the emission control standards set by the EPA. Failure to comply with these laws can result in fines, penalties, and, in some cases, criminal charges.

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What are the laws about vehicle modifications?

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