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Advice
Modified cars look super cool in movies but in real life, they can be illegal. Find out more about legal and illegal modifications in the UK, buying a customised car and insuring it.

Published on 26 March 2021 | 0 min read

What is car modification?

Car modification, also known as car tuning or car styling, involves changing the car so that it no longer matches the manufacturer's original specifications.
Car modification could involve adding car parts, such as performance-enhancing brakes, steering and suspension to tune the car's performance. Car modification could also focus on aesthetics, for example changing the car's colour, headlights or grille. Car modification should not be confused with repairing a car. A car repair replaces the damaged car part with an identical one or fixes it to maintain the car as per factory standards. Car modification is done for the sake of customising your car, to make it look more stylish or to enhance handling and performance using bespoke car parts.

Types of car modification

There are two main types of car modifications:
1. Cosmetic modification 2. Performance modification These modifications can be achieved in a couple of ways. The most common modifications include increasing horsepower, tinting windows or lights, adding alloy wheels, spoilers, exhausts or engine chrome covers, or making customisations to interiors and bodywork.

1. Cosmetic modification

Changes made to the car purely for its looks and aesthetics are classified under cosmetic modifications. Cosmetic modifications can include changes to:
* Body kit * Front and rear bumpers * Rooftop vents * Paintwork * Wheel accessories * Interior LED lighting * Light lens tints * Tinted windscreens * Back bumper reflector lights * Custom hood ornament * Dashboard customisation These are some great ways of making your car stand out in the crowd. You could choose from a simple paint job to give your car a distinctive colour, or go all in and get a number of different customisations to make your car uniquely yours. What are xenon and LED car lights?

2. Performance modification

Performance modifications help improve the handling, fuel efficiency, power, and speed of the car. Some common areas of upgrades are:
1. Brakes 2. Engine and drivetrain 3. Exhaust 4. Suspension 5. Steering 6. Filtration These modifications change your car subtly - you'll feel your car's improved overall speed and performance while the car will continue to look the same as others.

What car modifications are illegal in the UK?

Some car modifications are illegal in the UK because they can be unsafe for the driver and others around them. You can be at risk of a fine if you make these modifications to your car, which is why it's important to keep the law in mind before getting any changes to your vehicle.
Some common car modifications that are illegal in the UK are:

1. Neon Lights

Neon light modifications are illegal in most scenarios. One of the few ways you can legally spruce up your car with neon lights is if you add them to the bottom of your car - but only if the neon tubing isn't visible, and the light isn't too bright or flashy that it distracts other drivers around you.

2. Rear and headlight tints

In the UK, white and yellow lights are allowed at the front, while red lights are allowed for the back of the car. Using red, green or purple tints for your headlights, or any bright neon or flashy lights on the exterior or interior of the car, are sure to get you pulled over. Any halogen bulbs with a colour temperature over 4,200 K are not road legal as they produce a slight blue tint light. Blue flashing lights are used by emergency services such as police vehicles, ambulances, firefighters, and the coastguard. To make these services stand-out, these lights are legal only for emergency service vehicles. Also, the lights shouldn't be dimmed by more than 50% to maintain visibility. If the light bulbs bear an ECE R37 regulation, it's a sign that the lights are road legal.

3. Window tints

You can tint your windows, but only to a certain degree. The front windscreen needs to be at least 75% tint-free and the side windows need to be minimum 70% tint-free to ensure a clear view of the surroundings. The only exception is if your vehicle was first put on the road before 1 April 1985. In this case, both the front and side windows need to be 75% tint-free. It's illegal to sell a car that doesn't follow these rules.

4. Loud exhausts

A loud, roaring car sure sounds thrilling, but the noise might irritate others. An exhaust cannot cross the noise limit of 74 decibels, so any modifications that breach this limit are illegal. All cars are 'type approved' under the Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA) scheme before they're sold to you, which means that they comply with the emissions and safety regulations. Other exhaust modifications, like changes to the exhaust management system, tampering with the emissions control system, or removing some parts could make the vehicles more damaging to the environment.

5. Spoiler upgrades

Spoilers help with aerodynamic efficiency, and a slight tweak to their look can help improve handling and make the car look sportier. While modifying a spoiler isn't illegal, the method of modification can be. If the new spoiler isn't fastened safely to the car or has exposed sharp edges, you can get into trouble with the police and may even be forced to remove the modified spoiler. Spoiler modifications should help reduce your car's drag. A rear spoiler can improve the downforce, while front spoilers can reduce drag. The modification should also be a practical size so it doesn't obstruct your view - three inches wide and six inches above the roofline spoilers are usually considered an efficient size.

6. Nitrous Oxide engine modification

The use of Nitrous Oxide is illegal and extremely dangerous. Adding Nitrous Oxide gas to your engine can increase cylinder pressure. If the engine's components are unable to handle the increased stress, the engine can suffer damage. The engine can also be damaged when there's too much oxygen and not enough fuel in the engine (an incorrect ratio of air and fuel). In the worst-case scenario, the incorrect ratio and added cylinder pressure could cause the engine to explode.

Does modifying cars affect insurance?

Even the slightest change to your car will have an impact on the insurance cost. Your insurance provider may think that increasing your car's performance can mean a higher risk of accidents. Changing the appearance of your car to make head turns can also attract thieves, which could mean there's a higher risk of your car getting stolen. In any case, a higher risk usually translates into a higher premium charged by insurance providers.
Once you've decided to get a car modification, you need to inform your car insurer about the changes, no matter how small they are. It might pinch to pay a higher premium because of the modifications, but it's necessary as your insurance coverage can become invalid if you fail to inform them. If you need to make a claim or if someone files a claim against you and you haven't informed the provider, you may not be eligible for compensation. Not all modifications lead to a rise in your premium. Some might bring down the total amount you pay, like engine downsizing or adding high-performance brakes.

Which modifications affect car insurance?

Modifications to your car can either bring down the insurance premium or increase it.
We've listed down some common changes that can affect the amount you pay. However, it's best to consult your insurance provider first about how the modification will impact your premium.

Could increase your premium:

* Supercharger installation * Brake discs upgrades such as carbon-ceramic discs or drilled discs * Engine control unit (ECU) reprogramming to tune engine performance * Body kits to improve safety * Exterior cosmetic modifications such as flared wings, wheel arches, spoilers, valances, paint jobs, tints, stripes and badges * Interior cosmetic modifications such as changes to upholstery, sat-nav system, dashboard, phone kits, air conditioning * Short shift kits * Cold air intake filter installation for increased power * Sunroof * Alloy wheels

Could decrease your premium:

* Adding technology like immobilisers, smart water and parking sensors * Anti-roll bars * Engine downsizing if it increases car efficiency * Improved braking system * Suspension upgrades if it improves handling

Buying a used car with modifications

Buying a customised car can have its pros and cons:

Pros:

* Internal modifications could have improved performance * You can have a unique-looking car at a low or no extra cost * If you personally like modifications, then you get them without having spent any money or time on it

Cons:

* The modifications might be damaging the car's engine * Risk of the modifications not being done by a professional * Warranty might be void because of the modifications * The fitted parts might be low quality * Legality issues, as mentioned above If you're considering buying a modified car, you should collect information like where the modification was done, which brand's car parts were fitted, any mechanical issues and the value of the car after the modifications. Also ask for a service history of the car. Selling a car with modifications is allowed if the modifications are legal in the UK. It can be a good idea to retain the receipts for the modifications you buy. This shows the buyer where you got the modifications done and the quality of the parts used.

Can you modify a financed car?

Under a PCP car finance contract, you aren't the legal owner of the car until you've paid the full amount. This means you can't modify a car bought on finance unless you get written permission from your finance provider.
If you're able to get permission for any modifications, it's important that you only modify what has been agreed to in the contract. If you change anything that hasn't been agreed upon, you'll be in breach of the contract and may become liable to pay excessive penalties and fees or have your agreement terminated. it's also important to consider what your finance provider would consider being a modification. You might think that getting an upgraded stereo or sat-nav system or any temporary changes are not actually modifying the car, but your lender may think otherwise. In all instances, check with your finance provider before you start making modifications.

Tips for modifying your car

If you're keen to modify your car, then here are some key points to get started:
* Find out how the modification will affect your car's performance * Know if the modification can be reversed or not, and its cost * Keep in mind any risks associated with the modification * Go to a professional to get the changes done * Check if your intended modifications are legal * Inform your insurer and get a specialist car modification insurance Looking for something a bit different? On Auto Trader, you can easily search for modified cars.

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Modifying your car: UK laws, insurance and tips | AutoTrader

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Modified cars look super cool in movies but in real life, they can be illegal. Find out more about legal and illegal modifications in the UK, buying a customised car and insuring it.

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Common safety issues regarding car modifications

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Common safety issues regarding car modifications

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The practice of modifying cars has been around for a long time. With the way car technology is advancing, it's becoming increasingly more dangerous to modify certain aspects of cars.

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Car modification has been a recreational activity since the day first car was bought and with the passage of time, it has gained so much popularity that it has taken form of a separate industry where the car manufacturers are busy in creating high performance after market car parts. Now car modification is more popular among youth and teenagers. They are busy and regularly come up with new stunning ideas which leave us with our mouth wide open. Due to the over zealous state of mind of the youth and "Living On The Edge" nature of the art of car modification, people often compromise their safety and do not even refrain in challenging the legal authorities and violating and confronting the enacted laws pertaining to car modification.

Modifying cars can sure be regarded as an artistic activity which involves and requires great amount of creativity but putting your lives in danger and acting as a menace on the roads is not wise at all. We would discuss some safety mods and legal issues abiding by which will definitely make you a safe and sound citizen.

Car Safety Mods

When you modify and try to pimp your ride, many of them are performed to enhance the appearance and make it more presentable. But many car enthusiasts perform it to enhance the performance and efficiency of their cars. Obviously, enhancement of car's performance means more speed and definitely more risks attached to it. By applying the following safeguards, the performance enhancements is sure going to be safe.

Car Seat Belts:

Car seat belts are for you safety so when you modify the interior of the car its possible that you amend some of the settings which can possibly affect the performance of the seat belts. Make sure that seat belts are more efficient and the locking mechanisms are working properly. Make sure that whenever you wear the belt, the tension in it is intact or seat belts are of no use.

Installing roll cage kits is sure a wise move especially when you are looking for some drags and drifts and street racing. Installing roll cage kits will ensure to a great extent in case of any misfortune occurs. You install these roll cage kits for better structural rigidity which acts as a supporting beam and are very protective in case of a crash. So ensure that the supplier of the roll cage kits are dependable and trusted.

Unexpected fire cases often occur during high street end racing. When you are spending thousands on car modification we would advise you to at least have a hand held fire extinguisher at your disposal for your safety so fire suspension much easier.

In case when the tires, wheel rims and car body kit is modified, it sure leaves an impact on the car braking as the weight of the car is altered eventually. Make sure that your car braking mechanism is safe, sound, efficient and spot on as ever. Aligning the your car brakes to the safety rules is not an expensive job. Just make sure you have a good lock at your car brakes cooling mechanism and confirm that the brake pads cool quickly. Furthermore, just have a good look at brake shoes (pads), brake fluids, drilled disks e.t.c.

Tire change improves your car handling and ground clearance but in some cases they work otherwise. So ensure that you pay some considerations towards this aspect and replace your tires with the compatible ones which enhances the road grip and are also effective on wet tracks. Using tires specific for racing purposes and also keep an eye on the optimum pressure of your tires to ensure better road grip, traction and ultimately, safety.

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Car modification has been a recreational activity since the day first car was bought and with the passage of time, it has gained so much popularity that it has taken form of a separate industry where the car manufacturers are busy in creating high performance after market car parts.

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How does modifying your car affect your insurance

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How does modifying your car affect your insurance

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Car insurance for modified cars

Has your car been altered since it was manufactured? If so, it's considered modified. Find out how to insure a modified car and get the right deal for your needs and budget.

What counts as a car modification?

A modification is any change you make to your car that alters it from the manufacturer's standard settings. Modifications tend to fall into two categories: performance or cosmetic.

Performance car modifications include altering your suspension, changing the wheels, increasing horsepower, turbo upgrades, re-engineering your engine, chip tuning and remaps, intake and exhaust upgrades, handling modifications, lowering the suspension, fuel upgrades and transmission modifications.

Cosmetic car modifications include go-faster stripes, body kit amendments, sunroof installation, tinted windows, specialised paintwork and speaker systems.

What are the most popular types of car modification?

We've pulled together some of the most popular modifications:

Engine - changing the engine's performance can dramatically increase the speed of a vehicle and make it practically a different car in the eyes of an insurance provider.

Wheels - adding bigger wheels and shiny alloys can affect handling and make your car a target for thieves. Try to use the vehicle manufacturer's approved tyres when they need replacing.

Tinted windows - as long as they're the right side of the legal limits, changing the windows shouldn't impact too highly on your insurance. The added privacy can even be considered a crime deterrent by some insurance providers.

Stickers - even a sticker could be classed as a modification. A reverend in Wales was warned by her insurance provider that the religious messages she stuck to her car could invalidate her insurance policy.

Bodywork - adding anything expensive to a vehicle increases its value and will need to be declared as soon as it's installed. Changing the body of the car can affect its aerodynamics and safety in the event of an accident.

Spoilers - a good spoiler will improve handling when travelling at high speeds. But it also increases the chances of speeding. If you do fit a new spoiler, ensure it doesn't block the view from the rear window and is fitted securely by a qualified mechanic.

Parking sensors - these are designed to reduce the risk of minor bumps, which account for the vast majority of claims. This type of modification could mean you're seen as a safety-first driver, which may reduce your premiums.

Exhaust - changing the exhaust system could enhance the performance of the car. Any changes to the original performance can affect the speed of your car, and insurance providers see this as a risk.

Some cars can also be modified to make them easier to use for drivers with disabilities, such as wheelchair ramps and lifts, altered foot pedals, hand controls and steering aids.

How do car modifications affect the cost of insurance?

All modifications, no matter how minor, have the potential to affect the cost of your car insurance. In many instances, car modifications could lead to higher premiums. But the good news is that not all car insurance for modified cars comes with sky-high costs.

How much more does it cost to insure a modified car?

To understand how much more it might cost to insure modified cars, compared with those that haven't been altered, we looked at our data. The average top-five premium for cars with no modifications is £701.99, and for those with modifications it's £782.74**.

Obviously, depending on your driving history and the modifications you choose, it could be much higher - or lower - for you.

**Based on Compare the Market data taken from 1 June 2020 to 1 September 2020. These averages are based on all our customer quotes, from people with different age ranges, addresses and driving histories. You may find a cheaper or more expensive quote based on your circumstances.

Why does it cost more to insure a modified car?

The cost of your insurance premium is based on the probability of you making a claim. So, when it comes to modifications, insurance providers will consider the following factors:

If the modifications increase the value of your car, the insurance claims you make could be higher as it's often more expensive to repair or replace parts.

If you've made your car faster, it could increase the risk of you being involved in a speed-related accident.

Your car may be at greater risk of theft, especially if you've had expensive tech installed or you've modified its performance. Insurance providers could also assume that any modifications that alter the manufacturer's standard settings can't be guaranteed and may affect the car's integrity.

Young drivers are statistically more likely to claim on their insurance, so any modifications they make could raise their premium even more.

Don't forget, if you modify your car during the insurance term you need to notify your insurance provider about the change. This may alter the cost of the premium and you may also be charged an amendment or service fee. Check with your provider before you alter your car, to see how it's likely to affect your premium.

Which cars are most frequently modified?

You might be unsurprised to learn that some cars lend themselves better to modifications than others. Take a look at the cars that turned up in our top list***:

Model
Sum of enquiries

Mini Cooper

167

Ford Fiesta ST 2

146

Mazda MX-5 Cabriolet

118

Ford Fiesta Zetec

137

***Based on Compare the Market data taken from 1 June 2020 to 1 September 2020. These averages are based on all our customer quotes, from people with different age ranges, addresses and driving histories. You may find a cheaper or more expensive quote based on your circumstances.

How does modified car insurance work?

As well as covering everything that regular car insurance would - accidental damage and injuries to third parties, for example - modified car insurance can also cover all the extra parts and accessories on your car.

If you have a car that's particularly precious because of its modifications, you might want a policy offering special conditions if it's written off. An agreed-value policy will give you a set value for your vehicle, rather than the average market value. And a salvage retention clause allows you to buy back what remains of your car and its parts, if it's a total write-off.

What does modified car insurance cover?

Insurance for modified cars will cover you for the same risks as any other car insurance policy. If you'd like to take out modified car insurance that covers your car plus its various modifications, unsurprisingly, it's going to cost you more.

You can also take out the usual optional extras with your modified car insurance. Breakdown cover is a common example, while you may also want a courtesy car if yours is being worked on. Other examples include lost keys cover, windscreen cover, as well as no claims discount protection.

While you will be able to insure a modified car quite easily, you need to make sure that your modifications are legal. If any of them break the law, you won't be able to get cover at all. Some common examples of illegal modifications include neon lights under the car and overly tinted windows (they must let in at least 70% of light).

How can I save on modified car insurance?

It might not always be easy to get cheap modified car insurance, but there are ways of reducing the cost of your car insurance premium, whatever type of car you have. Cutting down on your mileage, parking your car off the road and increasing your excess - provided you can afford it - can all help.

If you want to know how any particular modification will affect your insurance, then you should check with your insurance provider. And if you're still keen on modifying your car, our comparison service lets you declare the changes you've made up front. So you know the price you're offered will include any modification you've made.

Compare car insurance quotes today and see what deals are available for modified cars.

How is the value of a modified car calculated?

In most instances, a car's value will increase as a result of its modifications - hence the reason why modified car insurance is more expensive than a standard policy. Considering how varied modifications can be, there's no straightforward way to calculate a modified car's value. This is why most modified car owners take out an agreed-value policy with their chosen insurance provider. This means that you and your provider agree on an amount that they'll pay out in the event your car is written off, regardless of its original market value.

Frequently asked questions

What modifications could help lower my car insurance?

Not all modifications are considered a higher risk. In fact, there are some that could even help lower your premium:

parking sensors - these can lower the risk of minor bumps.

security measures - by fitting an industry-approved alarm, immobiliser or tracking device, potential thieves could be discouraged. Tell your insurance provider if you've had any of these installed as they may offer a security discount on your premium.

tow bar - if you use your car for towing a caravan, horse box or trailer you're likely to drive more slowly and carefully, so a tow bar could lower your premium. But it could also swing the other way, as insurance providers might consider towing to be an added risk. It's worth checking with your provider before you get one fitted.

tinted windows - insurance providers' opinions tend to be divided on tinted windows. Some consider them a cosmetic modification and could raise your premium. Others see them as a security measure, since they can prevent opportunistic thieves from seeing what's inside. UK rules on tinted windows state that vehicles made since April 1985 must let at least 70% of light through. Vehicles produced before April 1985 must let at least 75% of light through the front windscreen, while the rest of the windows must let at least 70% through.

What if my car comes with modifications?

If you've bought your new car from an authorised dealer and opted for extra features, such as alloy wheels, it shouldn't affect your premium too much as they'll have been fitted according to the manufacturer's specifications.

However, if the modifications increase the value of your car, you may pay a slightly higher premium than you would for the basic model.

If you're buying a second-hand vehicle that's been modified, make sure you get all the details of the modification and pass them to your insurance provider. The onus is on you to provide full details when asked, otherwise your insurance provider could reject a claim, or even void your policy for non-disclosure of information.

It's worth checking what comes as standard on a particular model, so you know what might be different about the vehicle you're buying.

Can you make modifications mid-policy?

Yes, you can. Just be sure to notify your insurance provider of any new modifications as soon as possible - don't wait until it's time to renew. If you neglect to inform them and you need to make a claim, your policy could be invalidated.

Be aware that your premiums could increase as a result of the modifications, so it's worth weighing this up before deciding to make them.

Will I need specialist modified car insurance?

If you modify your car, it's possible you'll need specialist modified car insurance. Cars fit into one of 50 insurance rating groups, to help insurance providers work out where to set your premium. Any modifications to your car could mean it no longer conforms to its original insurance group and might invalidate a standard insurance policy. A specialist policy could cover you for even the smallest changes.

Who's most likely to modify their car?

More men personalised their vehicles in the first few months of 2020 than women. At Compare the Market, we found only 30.17% of quotes that specified the car had been modified were completed by women.****

****Based on Compare the Market data taken from 1 June 2020 to 1 September 2020. These averages are based on all our customer quotes, from people with different age ranges, addresses and driving histories. You may find a cheaper or more expensive quote based on your circumstances.

Is modified car insurance more expensive for young drivers?

Just like regular car insurance, young drivers tend to get a rough deal and pay far more for their car insurance. Combine this with modifications, and your risk as a young driver amplifies the cost further. According to Compare the Market data, the average price of car insurance increases by 11.5% when modifications are added*****.

*****Based on Compare the Market data taken from 1 June 2020 to 1 September 2020.

What do I need to get a quote?

To compare quotes with us, you'll need to give us some details about your car including:

your registration

your no claims discount

any additional drivers you want to include in your policy.

We'll also need a few personal details, like your age, address and occupation. If you've compared with us before, we'll fill those in for you. We'll then show you a list of quotes to compare.

Get a quote

Daniel Hutson

From the Motor team

"Always be sure to make your insurance provider aware of any modifications as these could affect your premium"

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92.8% of customers found our prices competitive or very competitive.^^^

Get a quote in 5 minutes^^^^

^^ For the period 1st September 2020 to 30th November 2020, 2,014 people responded to the question "When completing a quote using CtM, how did you find it?" 1,925 responded with 'easy' or 'very easy' (95.6%)

^^^For the period 1st September 2020 to 30th November 2020, 2,014 people responded to the statement "I think the prices provided by CtM are...." 1,869 responded with 'competitive' or 'very competitive' (92.8%).

^^^^On average it can take less than 5 minutes to complete a car insurance quote through Compare the Market based on data in November 2020.

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Compare the Market - Modified car insurance

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Has your car been altered since it was manufactured? If so, it's considered modified. Find out how to insure a modified car and get the right deal for your needs and budget. A modification is any change you make to your car that alters it from the manufacturer's standard settings.

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How to stay safe when modifying your car

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How to stay safe when modifying your car

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Safety is a big concern in the automotive industry. Not just personal safety, but the safety of other road users must also be taken into account.

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Altering or modifying your car can be very dangerous. Read on to learn how to tune and modify your car safely to avoid disasters here. There are a few significant purchases that you'll make over the course of your lifetime. Your house is undoubtedly number one. That 30-year mortgage is probably the most money that you'll ever spend on a single item. But your second-most significant purchase is often your car. The vehicle you rely on for A-to-B transportation doesn't come cheap. Consequently, it's probably one of your most prized possessions.

Thus, it makes sense why so many people seek to modify cars to make them feel even more special and unique. In this article, you'll learn to modify your car in a safe, productive manner.
How to Modify Your Car Safely
No matter what project you're doing on your car, it's important to be very cognizant of the safety aspect. A few false moves can easily result in a significant injury.

The first way to keep yourself safe while modifying your car is to use the right equipment. If you're DIYing the job, then make sure anytime that you're under the car, your vehicle is on flat ground and is jacked up high enough and supported with jack stands. Never trust just a jack, as jacks often slip and fail.

The next thing to consider is to never damage any of the safety components of the vehicle. Don't change the steering wheel in a way that will take the airbag out. Don't remove seatbelts unless you're doing so to install a more secure harness. Don't make your vehicle less safe than it already is.
What Components Are in a Tuned Car?
Now that you know how to do it safely, let's get into the various ways you can tune your car and modify it.

One of the best ways to extract more performance is with better tires. Your tires are the only connection your vehicle has with the ground. Better rubber will translate into better levels of grip, allowing your engine to put more power down to the ground.

If you want to create more power in the car itself, then there are a few ways to do so. One such way is to introduce forced induction such as a turbocharger or supercharger. These devices force more air into the engine, burning more fuel cleaner, resulting in higher power output.

Another way to get more power is to change the exhaust system. Many stock exhaust systems stifle the engine's exhaust flow for emissions purposes, causing power losses.

If you've got a truck or some other kind of offroading vehicle, then make your offroad adventures all the more exciting with empyre off road equipment.
Modifying Cars, Made Simple
With this guide under your belt, you should now be far better equipped to modify your car in a safe manner that will simultaneously extract all the performance possible from your vehicle.

For more auto advice, you're in the right place! Be sure to take some time to check out the rest of the articles available to read on our website before you go!

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How To Tune And Modify Your Car Safely - Muscle Cars Zone!

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Altering or modifying your car can be very dangerous. Read on to learn how to tune and modify your car safely to avoid disasters here. There are a few significant purchases that you'll make over the course of your lifetime. Your house is undoubtedly number one.

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Tinted windows

Tinted windows are legal as long as they meet certain criteria - drivers could be breaking the law if they go too dark or tint the wrong windows.

There are no restrictions when it comes to tinting rear side windows and the rear windscreen, but limits apply to tinting the front side windows and front windscreen.

By law, the front windows have to let a minimum of 70% light through, and a minimum of 75% through the windscreen. This is to ensure visibility isn't obscured.

Motorists who fail to comply with these rules could be served with a prohibition notice, meaning they won't be able to use their car until the tints have been removed. In extreme cases, a penalty notice or even a court summons could be issued.

Huge spoilers

The main appeal of spoilers is to give a car a sportier appearance and provide better handling when travelling at high speed.

A spoiler must be securely fitted to the bodywork to make sure it won't detach when being driven. It shouldn't have any dangerously sharp edges or obstruct the driver's view.

Neon lights

Ever mistaken blue lights on a modified car for an emergency vehicle? Neon lights can be a nuisance, and they're almost exclusively illegal when fitted on regular cars.

The law states that only white lights can be fitted to the headlights at the front and red lights to the back of the car. Any other colour is not allowed. Tinting of these lights is also not permitted as it reduces the amount of light emitted.

Flashing lights are only allowed on emergency or recovery vehicles, while green lights can only be fitted to medical practitioners' vehicles.

Neon lights can be fitted underneath a car, although the tubing must not be on show as this is also illegal.
READ MORE: 13 driving myths uncovered
Subwoofers

Playing music too loudly from a car stereo can lead to drivers receiving a warning from the police. If they ignore the warning, they may have their vehicle seized or audio equipment confiscated.

So if you're plagued by motorists tearing around your neighbourhood with their stereo blasting out, you can make a formal complaint. The law states that the police can seize a vehicle that is causing "alarm, distress or annoyance" to members of the public.

Lowering car suspension

Lowered cars are not necessarily breaking the law, but they may attract the attention of the police.

A car can be lowered but it must not interfere with the steering or affect the height of the headlights. Suspension mods should always be carried out by a competent mechanic and components should never be cut and welded together as this can make the car dangerous to drive.

Also, a lowered car may struggle to get over speed bumps, which could result in serious damage to the underside of the vehicle.

How do modifications affect car insurance?

Most modifications that change the look and performance of a vehicle will increase the cost of cover.

Those considered a higher accident risk include engine changes, sports seats, body-kits and spoilers.

Some modifications, such as phone kits and DVD players, increase the chance that a vehicle is broken into or stolen.

However, some modifications can reduce premiums. Changes that improve the security of your vehicle, such as immobilisers, could bring down the cost of car insurance.

Parking sensors could also lower your premium as they mean you're less likely to have a prang when reversing, while fitting a tow bar signals to insurers that you're more likely to drive at a moderate pace as you'll sometimes be hooked up to a caravan or trailer.

You must always tell your insurance provider if you've modified your vehicle in any way. If you don't, your insurance could be invalid, and you could be unable to make a claim.
Want to protect yourself against any losses after an accident? Get legal expenses insurance for just £15 a year with RAC Legal Care Plus. READ NEXT: Driving without shoes - is it illegal?

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Car modifications - are they legal? | RAC Drive

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A car modification is a change made to a vehicle that enhances it. But when does a modification become illegal? Our essential guide explains all.

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Most people who modify/customise their cars do so for aesthetic reasons, but there are modifications designed to improve performance.

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Answer (1 of 8): Because a stock car is boring. In the modified car world, stock sucks and a stock car is just a good starting point for a project. Cars are not transportation for enthusiasts, they are big toys. They started out with toy cars as kids and as adults, cars are still toys that happen...