For some enthusiasts, modifying cars is a hobby, which may turn into a passion further to enhance its performance and appearance.
They start with the small things to improve the looks and it escalates where some people start spending too much. This includes car accessories, body kits, car audio, car spoilers, sport rims, etc.
While it is fun to modify your car, note that it also comes with a heavy price tag.
Car modifications must adhere to JPJ Guidelines
Unlawful car modification can cause you a hefty fine by the authorities. Car modifications are subject to adhere to the regulation set by the Road Transport Department (JPJ).
According to Section 12 of the Road Transport Act 1987, modifications made to any vehicles before or after registration must be done legally.
You can be summoned if you disobey the standard rule. Here is a detailed guide of car modification based on the JPJ standards.
JPJ Guidelines on allowed modifications
Some modifications can be performed without JPJ’s approval. However, they must follow the specified guidelines.
Spoiler, side skirt and aerofoil installation
- The spoilers must not exceed 150mm beyond the outer side of the back tires.
Door visor installation
- Door visor must not exceed 100mm or width and length
Front and rear bumpers; and kangaroo bar installation
- Installation of bumpers or kangaroo bars at the front or the back of a vehicle must not exceed 50% of the car wheelbase
- Must not cover any lights of the vehicle (headlight or tail light)
- The protrusions must not be exceeding 100mm in length
- Kangaroo bars must not exceed 150mm beyond the total width of their vehicle
Installation of larger rims and tyres
- When using big rims or wide tires, it should be fully covered with mudguards or mudflaps
- Any increase in overall height due to the rim and tire modification are not allowed
*Car owners must not modify their vehicle using ‘hellaflush’ or ‘tayar kangkang‘ wheels.
Vehicle modifications without approval from the JPJ are subject to punishment under Section 6, Road Transport Act 1987 and Regulation 138, Road Traffic Rules 170/59.
If found guilty of the offense, the punishment is a fine not exceeding two thousand ringgit or imprisonment for up to six months.
Stepladder/boat/surfboard rack installation
- The roof rack installation must be firm and the height measurement should not exceed 230mm from the roof level
- The width and length of the roof rack must not exceed the area of the roof
- Stepladder/boat/surfboard carried on the roof must not exceed the front and rear side of the vehicle
- Front wheels must be able to carry at least 20% of the weight (boat/surfboard)
Manual to automatic transmission change
- No structural changes to the front cross member, steering linkage and steering box
- No modifications to the mounting base and no welding to the additional mounting structures
- There are no modifications to the base engine mounting and no welding to the additional structure of the engine mounting.
Canopy/canvas installation
- The allowable passenger limit is up to 5 people only for double cab pick-ups
- The width, height, and length of the canopy must not exceed the initial dimension
- Additional seat installation to the canopy are not allowed
- Subject to install their brake light at the rear of the vehicle after installing canopy
Winch, winch bar, side step, rear bar and snorkel installation
- Must secure the rope neatly to avoid interference on the road
- The width must not exceed 150mm and do not cover the lights and plate number
- Must not change the initial identity of the vehicle
Roof rack/bike carrier installation
- The height of the roof rack must not exceed 230mm from the roof level. For width and length, it must not exceed the size of the roof
- The measurement of the bike carrier must not exceed the front, rear, and sides of the roof
Spotlight installation
- Allowable for 4×4 vehicles only
- Colour of the spotlight – white or amber
- Can only be used for off-road activities
- The spotlight must not be exceeding 5 ft (1524mm) from the surface of the road
Prohibited modifications to vehicles:
- Bodypart/bodykit installation that changes the identity of the vehicle
- Inner roll cage installation
- HID (High Intensity Discharged) light retrofitting
- Changes to the drive train
- Blinking lights installation on the vehicle’s front and rear (except for turn lights and warning light)
- Use of rhythmic or horns with more than a single tone
- Tinted window or tinted film installation on the windshield with a transparency that is less than 70%
- Tinted window or tinted film installation on the rear window windows (less than 30%) or side windows with a transparency (less than 50%)
- “Hellafush” or “tayar kangkang” wheels modification – fine up to RM2,000 or imprisonment of not more than six months
Modifications that require approval from JPJ
- Modifications to vehicles transporting the physically-challenged
- Changes to vintage/classic status
- Engine change
- Changes to the fuelling system
- Changes to vehicle structure panel
Obey the standard JPJ guidelines
We hope the shared information is helpful for you to identify the lawful modification.
Save yourself from any legal action by not overly modifying your car according to the lawful guidelines.
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