Customising your car’s interior has become a popular way for drivers to express their individuality with Google searches for ‘car modifications’ up 21% in the last month and ‘custom car’ up 5% in the last year.
However, experts warn that certain modifications, while seemingly harmless, can have serious safety implications and lead to significant fines. Some modifications may also affect the insurance cover, which generally requires cars to be as manufactured apart from approved changes which should be flagged up when taking out a premium.
ALA Insurance, a leading UK car warranty and insurance provider, are advising motorists to be cautious when making interior modifications to their vehicles. Simple changes, like adding stickers, installing entertainment systems, or decorating with ornaments, could potentially compromise safety and result in costly penalties.
Car Modifications with the Largest Fines
Suspension Lowering
Lowering your car’s suspension beyond the manufacturer’s recommendations, or in a way that affects the handling and safety of the vehicle, can result in fines of up to £2,500.
Ornaments on the Dashboard
Dashboard ornaments can give your car a unique look, but if they obstruct your view or distract you with lights or movement, they become a hazard. Drivers found with such distractions could face on-the-spot fines of £100, with potential penalties of up to £2,500. Keeping your dashboard clear is essential for safe driving.
Tinted Windows
The front windscreen must let at least 75% of light through, and the front side windows must allow at least 70% of light through. Failure to comply can lead to fines of up to £1,000.
Underglow Lighting
Installing under-car neon lights, so-called underglow, with restricted colours like blue, red, or green, which can be mistaken for emergency vehicles, can result in fines of up to £1,000.
Decals or Stickers
While decals and stickers can add a personal touch, placing them on number plates or within the driver’s line of sight can obstruct your view and lead to fines of up to £1,000. Ensure any decorations are positioned away from critical areas like windows and number plates to avoid these penalties.
Non-standard Horns
Installing musical or excessively loud horns might be tempting, but they can be distracting or alarming to other road users. Non-standard horns can result in fines of up to £1,000. ALA Insurance recommends sticking with manufacturer-approved horns to avoid unnecessary penalties.
In-Car Entertainment Systems
Installing large screens or monitors within the driver’s field of vision might seem like an upgrade, but they can easily become a distraction. This could result in fines of up to £1,000. Make sure entertainment systems are installed in locations that won’t interfere with your focus on the road.
Non-standard Number Plates
Using number plates with alternative fonts, colours, or placement can result in a fixed penalty notice of £100, with potential fines of up to £1,000.
Fuzzy Steering Wheels
A fuzzy steering wheel cover might feel cosy, but if it’s too thick, slippery, or poorly fitted, it could interfere with your grip and control of the vehicle. This could lead to dangerous situations and on-the-spot fines of £100.
Noisy Exhausts
Exhausts cannot exceed 74 decibels. If they do, you could be fined £50 on-the-spot.
Dawn Cranmer, from ALA Insurance, shares the following advice, “It’s crucial to remember that any changes to your vehicle should be reported to your insurer. Modifications—whether it’s upgrading the exhaust, altering the suspension, or simply adding new wheels—can significantly impact your car’s performance, safety, and value. Failing to inform your insurer not only risks invalidating your insurance policy but could also void your car warranty.
If you have taken out a policy like GAP insurance, be aware that if the modifications have a detrimental effect on your vehicle’s value and your insurer values the car at less than market value as a result, your GAP provider won’t cover the shortfall between the settlement and the car’s market value. Before making any changes, always check with your insurer and manufacturer to ensure you stay covered on all fronts.”
Interior Trends You Should Consider For Your Car
However, some interior customisations for your car could actually promote calmer driving experiences.
According to interiors expert Essex House Dolly, Nicola Rodriguez, “I’d recommend opting for pastel colours inside your car to promote a calming driving experience and give an aesthetic, relaxing vibe in your vehicle.
“Having appropriate storage is a must for your car as it stops the chaos of losing things, spillages and mess. You can purchase items specifically for your car from retailers such as; boot storage, caddies housing your car cleaning items, baskets for cushions/blankets and also, plastic boxes for your glove compartment and cup holders.”
For scents that can promote a relaxing driving environment Nicola recommends, “I personally love the Zoflora clips as they are very subtle and not overpowering. I also use carpet fresh on my car mats too.
“To bring the outside of nature in, you can add cushions or blankets with a nature theme, have your dashboard vinyl wrapped and lastly add a finish touch of a pine smell.”
