Home Find information Modified Vehicle

Modified Vehicle

Tuning is a phenomenon divided into two categories. The first consists of making cosmetic changes to personalize the vehicle, to distinguish it from the original model. The second aims to increase the performance of the vehicle.

Almost all parts of a vehicle can be modified, provided that the changes respect the Highway Safety Code and do not decrease the vehicle's stability or braking system.

Examples of allowed modifications

  • Modified wheel dimension, as long as the external diameter of the tires is comparable with the original
  • Adding a stylized rocker bottom
  • Installing a firmly fixed spoiler, as long as it does not exceed the width of the vehicle and that it does not block the lights
  • Changing the seats, provided that they are fixed in the original rails or anchors
  • Replacing the muffler or any other element of the exhaust system. (the system must be firmly fixed, free of any leaks, designed for road use, and as silent as the original)
  • Increasing the engine's output
  • Changing the shell of the bumper, but only the malleable parts; any part that absorbs energy in the event of impact cannot be removed or modified
  • Affixing a tinted or opaque band with a15 cmmaximum width on the top of the windshield. (Nothing else can be affixed on the rest of the windshield, except for a parking or mechanical inspection label)

Examples of prohibited modifications

  • Removing or deactivating an airbag.
  • Tinting the front side windows that let less than 70% of the light through. (As they exit from the factory, the windows have already got colour. Once the film is added, at least 70% of light must pass through.)
  • Affixing or spraying on one of the windows any mirror-like material.
  • Modifying the windshield wiper system so that it sweeps a smaller surface of the windshield than originally intended.
  • Removing or modifying the original safety belts or their anchors.
  • Replacing the colour of the headlights, lights or reflectors with any that are different from those accepted by the Highway Safety Code.
  • Decreasing the headlight intensity, lights or reflectors with the addition of an opaque part or obscuring item.
  • Installing tires not designed for the road, in particular racing tires or tires exceeding the wheel wells of the vehicle.
  • Decreasing the braking capacity while installing discs in a non- professional way or with non-compliant parts.
  • Using cut, heated or attached springs. Having an ultra-rigid suspension is also not allowed, insufficient clearance, tires touching a component of the vehicle, or part of the vehicle body that touches the roadway in normal driving situations.

Infractions and penalties

Main violations of the Highway Safety Code (modified vehicles)

Fine

To remove or deactivate an airbag

$300 to $ 600 

To tint the side windows in a way that they let less than 70% of the light through

$100 to $200 

To affix or spray on one of the windows with mirror-like materials

$200 to $300 

To remove or modify the original safety belts

$200 to $300 

To modify the colour of the headlights, lights or reflectors

$100 to $200 

To decrease the intensity of the headlights, lights or reflectors

$100 to $200 

To use cut, heated or attached springs

$200 to $300 

To modify the exhaust system to make it noisier than the original

$100 to $200 

To pose, at the top of the windshield, an obscuring band with a width greater than15 cm

$100 to $200 

Find out more

Modified Vehicles – SAAQ