Modifying your automobile is the dream of many automobile followers, however in Hong Kong, modified autos should face strict supervision. Actually, so long as you abide by the related legal guidelines, it isn’t out of attain to change them in compliance with the rules. This time, Kuai Er Bao will focus on the most recent authorized rules for modified vehicles in Hong Kong,Car InspectionDiscover,Insurance coverageKey factors that will help you drive the one that you love Dream Automobile on the highway elegantly and safely.
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Is it unlawful to change a automobile in Hong Kong?
Sure and no. To start with, it isn’t completely unlawful to change a automobile. Nevertheless, the legal guidelines on modified vehicles in Hong Kong are a lot stricter than these in different international locations.Part 53 of the Highway Visitors Ordinance ‘No individual shall alter or trigger or allow some other individual to change any motorcar or trailer in order to render it in such situation that it could, when used on a highway, contravene any of the provisions of this Ordinance as to its development, weight, tools, brakes, steering wheel or tyres.’
That’s to say, if the modification you make to the automobile violates the highway site visitors rules, it’s an unlawful modification. But when the modified automobile nonetheless complies with the rules, it’s authorized.
In 2025, the regulation was amended and relaxed, akin to requiring LED headlights to fulfill the requirements and in-car show units that may solely be used when parking, which might be mentioned to be in keeping with worldwide requirements.
There are literally detailed rules on the legality of modifications in numerous classes.
Some modification examples
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Modification class
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Authorized necessities
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Is it essential to report back to the Transport Division?
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Shock absorbers, rims/tires
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The automobile physique peak can not exceed the usual, the wheel arch can not protrude, and the supplies/specs should adjust to the regulation
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Prior notification and doc preserving required
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Loss of life Throat
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Can’t protrude from the automobile physique/be too lengthy and can’t add noise, should meet emission and noise requirements
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Sure conditions require reporting
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Tires, brakes
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Solely use unique specs or licensed substitute elements
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Usually required to report
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engine
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Solely the identical mannequin and displacement are allowed to get replaced, and different sorts are nearly inconceivable to approve
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Have to be declared and explicitly authorized
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Audio/Automobile cam
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The show display screen can solely play photographs when the automobile is parked, and may solely be used for navigation or reversing when driving.
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No declaration is required however should adjust to the regulation
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Headlights
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From 2025, it’s authorized to change LED lights (specs should be marked and verified in Hong Kong)
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For top-end automobile mild modification, please seek the advice of the unique producer and the Transport Division.
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How do I do know if a modification is unlawful?
To know whether or not the modification is authorized, the best approach is to confer with the Transport Division’s ‘Do’s and Don’ts’ Listing and ‘Pointers for adjustments requiring prior discover’. It’s endorsed that when making main modifications, it’s best to first receive written permission from the automobile producer after which report the upcoming works to the Transport Division. If the police suspect {that a} automobile is supplied with unlawful elements, they’ve the appropriate to request the related automobile to be despatched to the inspection heart for inspection at any time. Violators could also be fined greater than 10,000 yuan, and even ordered to revive the automobile to its unique situation or endure a ‘fats man’ inspection.
How do the police and insurance coverage corporations know if a automobile has been modified?
In fact, the police and insurance coverage corporations can’t be knowledgeable instantly after the modification is accomplished. Some Hong Kong automobile homeowners will add unlawful elements or modify the automobile with out notifying the automobile producer.
Though the Transport Division’s tips state that ‘the engine could also be changed with that of the identical make, mannequin and measurement. Different modifications is not going to usually be authorized until very robust documentary proof is offered,’ should you seek for ‘modified engine’ on Google, you’ll nonetheless discover many related search outcomes.
Though it’s simple to change your automobile in Hong Kong, it truly includes sure dangers. If the police suspect that your automobile has been illegally modified or has been put in with unlawful elements, which can violate any highway site visitors rules, they’ve the appropriate to require you to ship your automobile to the Car Testing Centre underneath the Transport Division for inspection at any time.
We’ve got lately obtained a number of instances the place automobile homeowners had been stopped by police at roadblocks whereas driving modified vehicles. The police suspected that the vehicles had been modified and requested the homeowners to ship their vehicles to the testing heart for inspection. Ultimately, the homeowners had been fined almost $15,000 as a result of the put in elements had been unlawful.
Different dangers related to modified autos embrace the safety offered by auto insurers and insurance coverage for modified autos.
Can modified vehicles be lined by insurance coverage corporations?
Any illegally modified automobile is not going to be lined underneath any circumstances. A legally modified automobile is probably not lined, relying on the phrases of the insurance coverage firm and the insurance coverage plan you buy. Most insurance coverage corporations would require you to offer an inventory of modifications and all put in elements earlier than signing the coverage. The insurance coverage firm will then determine on a case-by-case foundation whether or not to cowl the modified elements of the automobile – primarily relying on the dangers related to the modification. It needs to be famous that after a automobile has been modified, the premium it’s essential to pay will usually be greater.
If you have already got automobile insurance coverage and later want to make modifications to your automobile, we advocate that you simply contact your insurance coverage firm first and inform them in regards to the adjustments you plan to make. Most insurance coverage corporations will add further clauses to your coverage, assuming that every one elements or modifications are authorized. These clauses will primarily listing the quantity of canopy you’ll obtain for every modification, in addition to different particulars. Usually talking, it will enhance your insurance coverage premiums.
Modified Elements and Accidents
We’ve got encountered clients who modified their autos with out informing the insurance coverage firm after buying automobile insurance coverage. That is truly very dangerous, particularly if a site visitors accident happens. First, the police might cost you with unlawful automobile modification; if convicted, the insurance coverage firm will most definitely refuse to pay any compensation, leaving you accountable for all losses.
Furthermore, within the occasion of an accident, the insurance coverage firm will solely present compensation based mostly on the worth of the unique elements of the automobile. Should you set up a $12,000 audio and leisure system, the insurance coverage firm will solely pay the price of the audio tools offered by the automobile producer, which is prone to be a lot lower than the worth of the audio system you put in.
In fact, nobody needs the above scenario to occur. So, should you plan to change your automobile, keep in mind to contact your insurance coverage firm first to debate the main points. Quick Insurance coverage can’t solely give you help, but in addition advocate probably the most appropriate insurance coverage plan to your legally modified automobile.
Ceaselessly Requested Questions on Modified Autos
Are modified autos not lined?
Illegally modified autos will certainly not be insured. Legally modified autos may not be insured, relying on the phrases and insurance coverage of every insurance coverage firm.
If an accident causes harm to a modified automobile, how will compensation be calculated?
The quantity of compensation will probably be based mostly on the worth of the unique elements. Even should you set up a stereo price over 10,000 yuan, the insurance coverage firm will nonetheless solely assess and pay the declare based mostly on the worth of the unique elements.