Car enthusiasts love modifying their rides to improve performance, aesthetics, and sound. However, not all mods are street-legal, and some could land you a hefty fine—or worse, get your car impounded. Here are 10 car modifications that are actually illegal but still commonly done.
1. Underglow Neon Lights
While underglow lights can give your car a cool Fast & Furious vibe, many states prohibit certain colors (especially blue and red) to prevent confusion with emergency vehicles. Some places ban them outright.
2. Super Dark Window Tint
Every state has laws regarding window tint levels, and exceeding the legal limit can get you ticketed. While dark tints look sleek and provide privacy, they can also reduce visibility, making driving dangerous.
3. Straight-Piped Exhausts (No Mufflers or Catalytic Converters)
Many car owners remove their mufflers or catalytic converters to make their cars louder and improve airflow. However, this is illegal in most places due to noise pollution laws and environmental regulations. Plus, tampering with emissions equipment is a federal offense in the U.S.
4. Colored Headlights & Taillights
Custom-colored headlights, such as red, blue, or purple, might look unique, but they’re illegal in most states since they can confuse other drivers or mimic emergency vehicles. The same goes for tinted taillights that reduce visibility.
5. License Plate Covers & Flippers
Some drivers install covers that obscure their license plates from cameras or use plate-flipping devices to switch between plates. This is considered tampering with a government-issued plate and is illegal almost everywhere.
6. Illegal Ride Height (Too Low or Too High)
Whether it’s an extreme lifted truck or a slammed stance car, modifications that drastically change the height of a vehicle can be illegal. Laws typically exist to ensure bumper heights align with other cars for safety in collisions.
7. Aftermarket Turbochargers & Superchargers
While forced induction can give your car a massive performance boost, installing an aftermarket turbo or supercharger might not be legal if it doesn’t meet emissions standards. In states like California, mods must be CARB-approved to be street-legal.
8. Loud Aftermarket Horns & Sirens
Installing a train horn or siren-like sounds on a personal vehicle is illegal in many places because they can be confused with emergency vehicles, leading to dangerous situations on the road.
9. Illegal Nitrous Oxide (NOS) Systems
While nitrous oxide can provide a huge horsepower boost, it’s illegal for street use in most areas. Some places even have strict laws against simply having a nitrous system installed, even if it’s not being used.
10. Blue or Red Flashing Lights
Flashing red and blue lights are strictly reserved for police, ambulances, and other emergency vehicles. Having them on your car—even for show—can lead to hefty fines or even legal trouble for impersonating an officer.
While these mods might be tempting, they can lead to fines, impoundment, or even getting your license suspended. If you’re modifying your car, always check your local laws to ensure your ride stays both stylish and street-legal.
