Unauthorized Modifications = Heavy Fines?

1.2 Germany: Industry Self-Governance + Government Collaboration

Germany’s approach emphasizes industry-led governance and public-private cooperation. At the heart of this system is the VDAT (Verband der Automobil-Tuner), the German Association of Automotive Tuners, established in the 1980s.

With nearly 200 member companies—including renowned brands such as ABT and Brabus—VDAT plays a pivotal role in:

● Developing technical standards for modifications;

● Promoting certification systems within the industry;

● Collaborating with Germany’s Federal Ministry of Transport and digital infrastructure agencies to enable networked supervision of modified vehicles.

Notably, VDAT is not a government body but an industry association representing tuning enterprises. Through technical expertise and professional credibility, it has earned governmental trust, creating a virtuous cycle of industry self-regulation → government recognition → public confidence.

Historically, China adopted a rigid, one-size-fits-all approach to vehicle modifications, primarily due to outdated enforcement capabilities.

Traffic police relied heavily on visual inspection to identify modifications, making it difficult to distinguish between legal and illegal alterations. This often led to over-enforcement—"better to penalize the innocent than miss a violation"—and inadvertently penalized compliant enthusiasts.

However, this situation is now changing, driven by the widespread adoption of digital enforcement technologies:

● Electronic surveillance, license plate recognition, and big data comparison are now standard;

● Real-time verification between vehicle registration records and actual condition is possible;

● Processes for modification registration, approval, and inspection are increasingly digitized.

This paves the way for a new regulatory paradigm: precise identification, categorized management, and compliantauthorization. It also explains why China has recently begun piloting relaxed policies—such as allowing changes to grilles, wheels, and body colors—under specific conditions.

From Japan’s “strict control + tiered classification” to Germany’s “self-governance + collaboration,” three key lessons emerge:

1. Standards First: Without unified technical standards, there can be no legal space for modifications. China urgently needs to accelerate the development of national-level technical specifications.

2. Categorized Management: Differentiate between minor and major modifications to streamline procedures, improve efficiency, and prevent law-abiding owners from being unfairly penalized.

3. Public-Private Collaboration: Encourage industry associations to participate in standard-setting and oversight, enhancing the sector’s professionalism and credibility.

In fact, pilot initiatives are already underway. Some regions in China are exploring models similar to VDAT, while leading enterprises are advancing certification systems for "whitelisted" aftermarket parts—critical steps toward a standardized future.

Amid this transitional policy environment, how can individual car owners safely and legally enjoy the benefits of customization? We offer the following recommendations:

✅ Prioritize Approved Modification Categories

Opt for modifications such as repainting, replacing wheels (within original specifications), or adding roof racks—projects increasingly permitted under local registration systems, with simple procedures and low risk.

✅ Keep Complete Documentation

Retain proof of modification, including the workshop’s credentials, component compliance certificates, and before-and-after photos, for potential inspections.

✅ Stay Informed About Local Pilot Policies

Cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Zhejiang, and Jiangsu have begun releasing regional guidelines for vehicle modifications. Staying updated on local regulations is essential.

Vehicle modification is more than a technical extension—it is a form of cultural expression. A mature automotive society should not rely solely on "prohibitions" and "fines," but also on "guidance" and "inclusion."

By learning from global best practices, advancing technical standards, and refining regulatory mechanisms, we can achieve the triple goal of legal modification, safe operation, and individual expression.

Stay tuned to Toctap for ongoing analysis of global automotive policies, providing deep insights for China’s automotive industry—both in domestic evolution and international expansion.