Modifying your automotive is the dream of many automotive followers, however in Hong Kong, modified automobiles 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 newest authorized rules for modified automobiles in Hong Kong,Car InspectionDiscover,Insurance coverageKey factors that can assist 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 automotive. Nonetheless, the legal guidelines on modified automobiles in Hong Kong are a lot stricter than these in different international locations.Part 53 of the Street Visitors Ordinance ‘No individual shall alter or trigger or allow another individual to change any motorcar or trailer in order to render it in such situation that it will, when used on a highway, contravene any of the provisions of this Ordinance as to its building, weight, gear, brakes, steering wheel or tyres.’
That’s to say, if the modification you make to the automobile violates the highway 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, corresponding to requiring LED headlights to satisfy the requirements and in-car show units that may solely be used when parking, which will be mentioned to be consistent 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’t exceed the usual, the wheel arch can’t protrude, and the supplies/specs should adjust to the regulation
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Prior notification and doc maintaining required
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Dying Throat
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Can not 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 authentic specs or licensed substitute elements
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Typically 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 virtually not possible to approve
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Should be declared and explicitly permitted
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Audio/Automobile cam
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The show display can solely play pictures when the automotive 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 prime-end automotive 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 simplest means is to confer with the Transport Division’s ‘Do’s and Don’ts’ Listing and ‘Pointers for modifications requiring prior discover’. It is strongly recommended that when making main modifications, it’s best to first get hold of written permission from the automobile producer after which report the upcoming works to the Transport Division. If the police suspect {that a} automobile is provided with unlawful elements, they’ve the proper to request the related automotive 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 authentic situation or bear a ‘fats man’ inspection.
How do the police and insurance coverage firms know if a automobile has been modified?
In fact, the police and insurance coverage firms can’t be knowledgeable instantly after the modification is accomplished. Some Hong Kong automotive homeowners will add unlawful elements or modify the automotive with out notifying the automobile producer.
Though the Transport Division’s pointers 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 permitted except very robust documentary proof is offered,’ when you seek for ‘modified engine’ on Google, you’ll nonetheless discover many related search outcomes.
Though it’s simple to change your automotive in Hong Kong, it truly entails sure dangers. If the police suspect that your automotive has been illegally modified or has been put in with unlawful elements, which can violate any highway visitors rules, they’ve the proper to require you to ship your automotive to the Car Testing Centre below the Transport Division for inspection at any time.
We have now lately obtained a number of circumstances the place automotive homeowners had been stopped by police at roadblocks whereas driving modified automobiles. The police suspected that the automobiles had been modified and requested the homeowners to ship their automobiles 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 automobiles embrace the safety offered by auto insurers and insurance coverage for modified automobiles.
Can modified automobiles be lined by insurance coverage firms?
Any illegally modified automobile is not going to be lined below any circumstances. A legally modified automobile might not be lined, relying on the phrases of the insurance coverage firm and the insurance coverage plan you buy. Most insurance coverage firms 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 automotive – primarily relying on the dangers related to the modification. It needs to be famous that after a automotive has been modified, the premium it’s essential pay will typically be greater.
If you have already got automotive insurance coverage and later want to make modifications to your automotive, we suggest that you just contact your insurance coverage firm first and inform them in regards to the modifications you propose to make. Most insurance coverage firms will add extra clauses to your coverage, assuming that every one elements or modifications are authorized. These clauses will primarily record the quantity of canopy you’ll obtain for every modification, in addition to different particulars. Typically talking, it will enhance your insurance coverage premiums.
Modified Components and Accidents
We have now encountered clients who modified their automobiles with out informing the insurance coverage firm after buying automotive insurance coverage. That is truly very dangerous, particularly if a visitors accident happens. First, the police might cost you with unlawful automobile modification; if convicted, the insurance coverage firm will most probably refuse to pay any compensation, leaving you chargeable for all losses.
Furthermore, within the occasion of an accident, the insurance coverage firm will solely present compensation primarily based on the worth of the unique elements of the automotive. In case you set up a $12,000 audio and leisure system, the insurance coverage firm will solely pay the price of the audio gear 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 state of affairs to occur. So, when you plan to change your automotive, 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 suggest essentially the most appropriate insurance coverage plan on your legally modified automobile.
Often Requested Questions on Modified Autos
Are modified automobiles not lined?
Illegally modified automobiles will certainly not be insured. Legally modified automobiles might also not be insured, relying on the phrases and insurance coverage of every insurance coverage firm.
If an accident causes injury to a modified automobile, how will compensation be calculated?
The quantity of compensation will likely be primarily based on the worth of the unique elements. Even when you set up a stereo price over 10,000 yuan, the insurance coverage firm will nonetheless solely assess and pay the declare primarily based on the worth of the unique elements.
