RoadLegal

What to expect at a roadside check with a modified car

Police have nothing against safe, legal tuning. A modified vehicle isn't checked more often than any other — if the modifications are in order and you have your documents, the check goes just as fast as for a stock car.

What's checked during a routine traffic stop

What inspectors focus on with modified vehicles

Wheels and tires

Offset, sufficient clearance from the wheel arches and body, kit homologation.

Ground clearance and suspension

Reasonable ground clearance for both lowered and raised suspension, valid kit homologation.

Lighting

Homologation marks on lights, correct aim after a suspension change.

Bodywork and addons

Secure mounting of spoilers and side skirts, absence of dangerous sharp edges.

Exhaust system

Noise within allowed limits, homologation mark on the part.

Combination of modifications

Whether individual modifications conflict with each other — e.g. suspension + alternative wheels + spacers all at once.

What to carry so the check goes quickly

Missing documents for completed modifications can slow down a check and in some cases lead to a fine or a notice to fix the issue — even if the modification itself is otherwise fine.

For more on how individual modifications affect each other, and what to watch for when combining several changes at once, see How modifications affect each other.