Is car modification legal in Canada?

If you're a newfound car enthusiast, the idea of purchasing a motor vehicle and modifying it can be an exciting prospect. But is it legal? Understanding what is and isn't allowed when it comes to vehicle modifications can help you avoid run-ins with police officers and potential tickets. To learn more about the legality of driving a modified car, check out our guide below.

What are motor vehicle modifications

Modifications are any type of changes a vehicle owner may make to their vehicle after they have purchased their vehicle from a dealership. Common modifications include backup cameras, spoilers, tinted windows, new headlights, lowering or lifting a vehicle, a new bumper, a sound system, and more.

Is it legal to modify my vehicle in Canada?

Yes, it is legal to have your vehicle modified in Canada. However, certain modifications are prohibited by the Highway Safety Code or other provincial statutes. Therefore, while a certain vehicle modification may be legal in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia, having your vehicle modified in the same way in Nova Scotia could be illegal, which is why it's important that you are aware of what is and isn't legal in your province or territory. For example, in Nova Scotia, lift kits and body kits must undergo inspections before they can legally drive on the road.

Additionally, certain changes to your vehicle may require an inspection before being allowed to operate on the road. For example, in British Columbia, changes to the braking system, engine, suspension, power train, and chassis do require an inspection to ensure the vehicle passes the Highway Safety Code and that the modifications do not impede the vehicle's ability to operate safely. That said, Alberta has less strict noise laws compared to B.C., where noisy mufflers can lead to fines.

On the other hand, in Ontario, suspension modifications over 2 inches require drivers to undergo an inspection to ensure their vehicle complies with safety standards, while in Quebec, tinted front windows are prohibited. Let's take a closer look at some legal and illegal vehicle modifications below:

Legal vehicle modifications

While this is not a complete list of legal modifications, here are some common ones that drivers in Canada tend to invest in that follow traffic regulations:

Changing the colour of your vehicle body

A lot of the time, drivers like to change the exterior colour of the car. Whether it be by replacing the paint job with a fresh coat of paint or having their vehicle wrapped, because modifying the colour does not impact the safety of the vehicle, this type of replacement is possible.

Changing the size of your wheels

Another way to legally modify your vehicle is by changing the size of the wheels. Modifying the wheel size can alter the overall feel of your vehicle as you drive. It can also improve the responsiveness of your car and give you more traction while on the road.

Adding a muffler to the exhaust system

If you choose to modify your muffler in your exhaust system, you must make sure that it is specifically designed for road use and does not create any more noise than the original muffler; otherwise, the change will be considered illegal.

Illegal modifications

Furthermore, vehicles with the following modifications are considered illegal, putting you at risk of facing steep fines:

Altering your licence plate

Your licence plate must be properly attached to your vehicle and fully visible. Should your plate be completely removed, partially covered, or protected with a distortion effect that prevents law enforcement or other drivers from identifying your car, you can be issued a fine and face traffic court.

Modified exhaust system

Modifying your exhaust system is another illegal change you need to be aware of. A car powered by a combustion engine is legally required to have a muffler that cools and removes exhaust gasses from the engine without making loud noises or generating flames in the process.

Tinted windows

Tinted windows, whether it be the front side windows or windshield, are also illegal in Canada. If a vehicle is involved in an accident, the glass is supposed to fracture into tiny pieces, allowing people to exit the car with as few injuries as possible. However, the tinted film prevents the glass from shattering correctly, leading to possibly more severe injuries.

Further, tinted windows reduce the view depth that a motorist sees through the window, thereby limiting their ability to perceive objects and challenges coming their way.

Recently, in Nanaimo, BC, a 24-year-old woman was charged with dangerous operation of a motor vehicle after a fatal parking lot crash. Police determined that her modified truck, which featured a raised suspension, oversized tires and tinted windows, contributed to the fatality.

Removing airbags or other safety features

Modifying the engine, braking system, or safety features in vehicles in an attempt to improve the vehicle's performance that does not adhere to safety regulations is also illegal. Ultimately, ensuring vehicles that operate on public roads follow the same regulations is essential to keeping everyone safe. Failing to do so can lead to severe consequences and fines.

Why are coloured taillights and headlights illegal modifications?

Removing or changing the colour of your brake lights or headlights is illegal, given that it can reduce other driver's visibility and be distracting. Additionally, adding headlights to your car that are exceptionally bright can cause temporary blindness for other vehicles travelling toward your car, putting them at risk of being involved in a collision, which is why all lights on your car must follow certain safety standards.

Will modifying my vehicle impact my car insurance?

Yes, modifying your vehicle will affect your car insurance in the sense that you may face higher premiums than before. Most of the time, aftermarket modifications are not covered under standard coverage options. Without the right coverage in place, you could be responsible for any losses that occur following a collision.

Because of this, your insurance agent or broker will likely need to shop around for different policies to ensure that you have the right coverage in place that takes these modifications into account. Additionally, because these policies aren't automatically included with standard options, you'll need to pay more for this type of coverage.

If I modify my vehicle for accessibility, will it impact my auto coverage?

If you are a person with a disability who is thinking about modifying their vehicle to make it more accessible, you may have some questions regarding your insurance coverage and whether accessibility modifications will impact your auto coverage.

The truth is that modifications, even those for accessibility purposes, will be considered by your insurance company when calculating your premiums. It's essential that you consult with your insurance agent to ensure you have the right amount of coverage, given that if you're involved in an accident with a modified vehicle and fail to notify your provider, the claim you file may be rejected, leaving you liable for any associated costs.

Keep in mind that there are other components that your insurance provider will consider when calculating your insurance premiums as you’re renewing car insurance, such as your driving history, where you live, the types of policies you opt for, and more. Therefore, while you may pay slightly more for your modifications, having a clean driving record can aid in bringing the total cost of your premium down.

What happens if I don't get my vehicle inspection performed following modifications in British Columbia?

While you're technically supposed to undergo a vehicle inspection following any modifications to your vehicle, a lot of drivers choose not to do so, given that they have conducted illegal changes to their car. Again, failure to undergo an inspection will ultimately lead to serious consequences in the long run. Police officers are always on the road, and in due time, you're likely to get caught. So, if you don't want to get a ticket for modifying your car, it's best to act responsibly and book your inspection before getting back onto the road.

Is flipping cars legal in Canada?

Car flipping occurs when a person purchases a used vehicle from a seller before conducting certain upgrades or modifications to the vehicle and selling it on the used market for a more expensive price. While flipping cars is legal in Canada, you will be capped on the total number of flipped vehicles you can sell in a year, depending on the province or territory you live in. For example, in Ontario, you can buy and sell five vehicles a year without having a dealership licence.

Is car wrapping legal in Canada?

Wrapping a motor vehicle to change its exterior colour and texture without having to get a new paint job is something many car owners seek to do. Luckily, in Canada, wrapping the body of your vehicle and changing the colour is a type of modification that is legally permitted under the Highway Safety Code, given that this type of modification does not directly impact the operation or safety of the vehicle itself.

Keep in mind, however, that because a car wrap is still technically a modification to your car, you will need to inform your insurance company that your car is modified in this way.

What should I consider when buying a used vehicle?

While used car prices are on the rise in Canada due to delays in the global supply chain, for a lot of Canadian motorists, purchasing a used vehicle is a better financial decision for the time being. Given that the car is not brand-new, there are numerous things to consider when buying a used vehicle. For example, ask about how old the car is and how many miles it has. Then, a visual inspection of the vehicle will be conducted to see if there is any noticeable or concerning damage. You'll also want to request a vehicle history report to determine whether or not the vehicle was previously in a car accident. Lastly, ask about possible mechanical issues and remember to test drive the used car to ensure that it is working safely and properly.

Can I drive a car with a modified exhaust system in Alberta?

Yes, you can. But, you will need to ensure the exhaust meets noise and emission standards. Otherwise, you will be subjected to fines.

What are the fines for illegal modifications in Canada?

Fines will vary between provinces but can range from $100 to $200 or more depending on the modification.

Do I need to register my modified car differently?

This will vary between provinces. Check with your province's Ministry of Transportation website for more information, or contact your local motor vehicle agency.

Protect your vehicle with comprehensive insurance coverage

To ensure your interests and finances are protected in the event of a collision, all Canadian motorists must have valid car insurance. Each province and territory in Canada has specified the coverage minimums each motorist is required to purchase. However, most opt to add optional policies to their portfolio to ensure they are sufficiently protected should an accident occur.

Here's a closer look at some of the types of car insurance available:

• Third-party liability car insurance (mandatory)
• Accident benefits coverage (mandatory except in Newfoundland)
• Uninsured automobile insurance (mandatory)
• Collision car coverage (optional)
• Comprehensive car coverage (optional)
• Accident forgiveness insurance (optional)

Contact BrokerLink today

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