On February 15, 2024, Circular No. 43/2023 was implemented by the Ministry of Transport to amend and supplement provisions on motor vehicle modification, which were previously stated in Circular No. 85/2014.
This Circular states that certain modifications to vehicles, such as lights, grills, passenger compartment doors, and detachable fog lights, are no longer considered as vehicle modifications. Consequently, these vehicles can undergo regular vehicle inspections.
Circular 43/2023 introduces Article 4a into Circular 85/2014, which includes nine cases where motor vehicle modifications are not regarded as vehicle modifications.
These cases are as follows:
Modification of passenger compartment doors (excluding changes in position and size)
Modification of certain cargo box structures, such as sealing or changing the structure of cargo box doors; replacing flat panels with corrugated panels or vice versa; adding additional metal coverings to the frame of the cargo compartment that do not increase the height of the cargo box in accordance with Appendix I, Circular 43/2023/TT-BGTVT; installing or removing dust covers for self-tipping cargo boxes of dump trucks
Installation, replacement, or removal of pickup truck cargo compartment covers or luggage covers without changing the size of the cargo compartment and the overall dimensions of the vehicle
Installation of detachable fog lights
Replacement of the front lighting assembly with a certified or standard compliant lighting assembly according to the national technical standards for the optical characteristics of front lighting devices for motor vehicles on the road, QCVN 35:2017/BGTVT, without modifying the vehicle’s structure to ensure proper installation
Replacement of bulbs in the front lighting assembly with bulbs of equivalent power consumption without intervening or modifying the lighting assembly structure
Modifications to the vehicle’s body and shell details are optional for the vehicle manufacturer but must not change the overall dimensions of the vehicle, except for cases specified in Article 6 of Circular 85/2014/TT-BGTVT. Installation must be carried out in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations or by legally authorized representatives of the vehicle manufacturer
Changes to the design of certain body details, such as front grills or wind spoilers
Installation of wind deflectors on the roof of pickup trucks, step boards, decorative exhaust pipes, and lamp signal protection bands without changing the overall dimensions of the vehicle
Modifications made to motor vehicles in accordance with the above regulations, without altering the specified vehicle type indicated in Appendix XI, Circular 43/2023/TT-BGTVT, and meeting the technical safety and environmental protection requirements specified by the national technical standards, will be subject to motor vehicle safety and environmental protection inspections. Upon passing the inspections, these vehicles will be granted a certificate of inspection and an inspection sticker.
This new Circular provides a more lenient regulatory framework for vehicle modifications, offering a clear legal basis and convenience for vehicle enthusiasts who wish to customize and enhance the appearance of their vehicles.
TH (Tuoitrethudo)
Image: Internet