9 Car Mods That Could Get You Pulled Over
I am someone who thinks car modifications can be cool. In some cases, they might even improve performance or enhance the vehicle in one way or the other. Some people focus on aesthetics and speed, but there are some car mods that can cause you trouble with the law. Police look at certain changes as safety risks (or just noise violations). Here are nine car mods that could potentially get you pulled over, depending on where you live.
1. Underbody Neon Lights
Neon underglow lights might give your car that Fast & Furious vibe, but they’re illegal in many states. These lights can distract other drivers, especially at night, and are often associated with street racing. Some states ban them altogether, while others allow them under strict conditions—like only using them when parked. Red and blue lights are especially problematic since they mimic emergency vehicles. If you’re cruising with the glow on, don’t be surprised if you see flashing lights in your rearview.
2. Excessively Tinted Windows
Dark tints can look sleek and provide extra privacy, but they’re heavily regulated. Most states have specific rules about how much light must pass through your front, side, and rear windows. Too dark, and your car becomes a visibility hazard for police officers and other drivers. If you’re pulled over and your tint is beyond legal limits, you could be forced to remove it—or face fines. Make sure your window tints meet your local visibility standards before hitting the road.
3. Loud Exhaust Systems
A throaty exhaust note might sound aggressive, but it could attract the wrong kind of attention. Many aftermarket exhaust systems violate noise ordinances, especially if they exceed decibel limits set by your state or city. In some places like California, laws around exhaust noise have become stricter, with police using decibel meters to check compliance. While you might enjoy the roar, your neighbors—and law enforcement—might not. If your car sounds like a race car on the street, you could end up with a ticket.
4. License Plate Covers or Frames
You might think a tinted or decorative license plate cover is harmless, but it’s often illegal. Anything that obstructs or distorts the visibility of your plate can get you pulled over. That includes smoked covers, reflective coatings, or even frames that block state names or registration tags. Police need to clearly read your plate, and obscuring it—even slightly—can raise suspicion. If you want to customize your plate area, do it with clear, compliant accessories.
5. Too-Low Suspensions
Lowered cars can look incredibly stylish, especially with an aggressive stance—but there’s a legal limit to how low you can go. If your suspension drops your car below the minimum required ground clearance, you’re asking for a ticket. Too-low suspensions can cause issues with scraping, poor visibility, and increased crash risk. They can also damage public roads and speed bumps, making them a concern for more than just your car. Check your local height regulations before slamming your ride.
6. Colored Headlights or Taillights
LEDs in wild colors like red, blue, or green may look cool on social media, but they’re often not road legal. Headlights and taillights must meet federal safety standards for color and brightness. Anything outside of white (for headlights) or red/amber (for rear lights) is typically banned on public roads. Colored lights can confuse other drivers or mimic emergency vehicles, which is a big no-no. If your lights scream “look at me,” don’t be shocked when cops do exactly that.
7. Illegal Engine Swaps
Swapping out your engine for a more powerful one? Better check the emissions rules first. Many states, especially those with strict environmental laws like California, prohibit certain engine swaps unless the new engine meets emissions standards. If you’re caught with an unapproved swap, you could face serious fines or be forced to revert to your old engine. Illegal car modifications like this can be costly—and not just at the gas pump. Always get your swap certified and documented if you’re going this route.
8. Missing or Modified Bumpers
Removing bumpers for aesthetic reasons or replacing them with lightweight versions might give your car a race-inspired look. However, bumpers are critical for crash safety and are required by law. If they’re missing, overly modified, or don’t meet federal standards, you’re not just risking a ticket—you’re risking serious injury. Some drivers remove bumpers for car shows, but forget to reinstall them before returning to public roads. Don’t let style override safety—or legality.
9. Radar Detectors and Jammers
Want to outsmart speed traps? Be careful. While radar detectors are legal in some states, they’re banned in others—and radar jammers are illegal almost everywhere. These devices can interfere with police radar and laser equipment, and getting caught with one can lead to stiff penalties. Law enforcement sees these tools as signs you’re trying to break the law intentionally. If you want to avoid tickets, it’s better to follow the speed limit than to play digital cat and mouse.
Customize Smart, Drive Legal
Modding your car can be fun, but you don’t want to make any changes that are going to cause you problems. So, be sure to review the laws in your state and know what’s legal (and what’s not). The cost of one bad modification can be a drag on your ride and your wallet.
What’s the wildest car mod you’ve ever seen on the road—or gotten pulled over for? Drop your stories in the comments!
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Drew Blankenship is a former Porsche technician who writes and develops content full-time. He lives in North Carolina, where he enjoys spending time with his wife and two children. While Drew no longer gets his hands dirty modifying Porsches, he still loves motorsport and avidly watches Formula 1.