Drivers risk £3,500 fines if they make these common modifications to their car

18 May 2024 , 06:00

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Certain car modifications could see you slapped with a fine (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Drivers could face fines worth up to £2,500 - alongside points on their licence - if they make certain modifications to their car.

The warning has been issued by Compare the Market, who say that while certain modifications might enhance a vehicle's performance or aesthetics they could potentially be breaking the Highway Code. According to research by the price comparison firm, alloy wheels, typically installed to make wheels look more attractive and to improve durability, rank as the top modification in the UK, with 69,365 alterations recorded.

The second most popular modification is suspension changes at 67,796, followed by changes to car exhaust systems at 53,138. However, if you lower your suspension you could face a £2,500 as well as three penalty points on your licence. Although it isn't illegal, Compare the Market says any alterations must not interfere with steering or affect the height of the headlights on the car.

If you want to lower your suspension, Compare the Market says it should always be carried out by a competent mechanic. Your car's components should also never be cut and welded together as this can make it dangerous to drive.

Another popular modification is adding spoilers to your car however adding large spoilers could land you with the same fine of £2,500. Adding a spoiler to a vehicle also isn’t illegal, but the spoiler must be securely fitted to the bodywork to make sure it won’t detach when driven. Under regulation 30 of the Highway Code, the spoiler also shouldn’t obstruct the driver’s view of the road or traffic.

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Finally, if you add tints to your car windows you could face a fine of £60 and three penalty points. For tinted windows, the front windscreen of a car must let at least 75% of light through, while the front side windows must let at least 70% in. If your windows are tinted too heavily, you could be given a "prohibition notice" which will stop you from using your vehicle until the extra tint is removed.

Alongside this, Compare the Market says alterations could impact the cost of your car insurance too. This is due to your vehicle having a greater possibility of theft, higher risk of speed-related accidents, or simply because your car has increased in value and repairs may now cost more.

Julie Daniels from the car insurance team at Compare the Market added: "If you decide to modify your car while you have an existing insurance policy, you need to notify your provider about the change. Ideally, you should check with your provider before altering your vehicle, to find out how it might affect your premium, or if there will be any amendment fees involved.”

Ruby Flanagan