Car modification
In isolation these car modifications in South Africa are not illegal, but if done to the point where you car becomes unroadworthy, you can be in trouble. Image: Pexels

Home » Car modifications that could get you a traffic ticket in South Africa

Car modifications that could get you a traffic ticket in South Africa

These car modifications in South Africa might not be illegal, but they can cause you problems if they make your car unsafe to drive…

By Ray Leathern
19-08-24 08:23
in Featured
Car modification
In isolation these car modifications in South Africa are not illegal, but if done to the point where you car becomes unroadworthy, you can be in trouble. Image: Pexels

Although the increasing cost of cars, fuel, and parts has slowed down car modifications in South Africa, there is still a strong culture of car tuning in the country. Spinners in their BMW E30s, the lowrider brigade, and even those who still dream of squeezing every last inch of performance from the car all love to tinker.

Nevertheless, car modifications in South Africa are being policed harder than ever before. Like the strict Western Cape bylaws that make even removing your licence plate (often done for aesthetic and/or performance reasons) an instant impound offence.

CAR MODIFICATIONS IN SOUTH AFRICA

However, did you know that the following car modifications in South Africa – if deemed to make your ride unroadworthy – could lead to impoundment and even arrest? TopAuto reports that the National Road Traffic Act isn’t particularly descriptive on the illegality of modifications. However, for this very reason, there’s a lot of interpretation left to the police officer who pulls you over.

As mentioned, the Western Cape has gone excessively hard after car modifications in South Africa. And if in the eyes of the authorities your vehicle is in an unroadworthy state it will be taken off the road. To rectify this, you will have to make the necessary changes to bring it back to standard and perform another roadworthy test to be legal on the road again.

WHAT MODIFICATIONS ARE AUTHORITIES AFTER?

  • Excessive speed enhancements like a large turbocharger upgrade and/or nitrous oxide kit.
  • Excessive lowering of suspension to the point where it affects the handling of the vehicle.
  • Larger wheels and lift kits that might affect the steering and general control of the vehicle.
  • Number plate deletion or custom number plates that are vulgar/harmful and not of an approved SABS standard.
  • Installing an upgraded engine and not relicensing your vehicle to reflect a new engine number.  
  • Installing an excessively loud sound system that might cause a noise nuisance.
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