Reasons why the inspection center rejects cars with modified grilles and front and rear bumpers

Based on personal aesthetic factors, many Vietnamese people have "renovated" their cars after a period of use. It could be a decal set to add personality to the car or "more adventurous" by intervening in the body with front/rear bumpers or grille, sporty bodykit.

In the context of tightening car inspection, many car owners said they were refused inspection right from the "parking lot" due to "modification" of the above details.

Some people think that replacing the grille or "upgrading" the front/rear bumper of a car is just for aesthetic purposes and does not affect safety or technology. However, from the perspective of management agencies and experts in the industry, this issue is not that simple.

Some car owners said their vehicles were refused registration because they had modified grilles or front/rear bumpers. Photo: Vr.org.vn

Speaking to reporters, the director of a vehicle inspection center in Hanoi said that in the inspection categories of the inspection centers, there are requirements on vehicle shape and size... At the same time, the inspection facilities have original photos of each vehicle line based on the manufacturer's type registration with the Department of Vehicle Inspection.

"A 2012 Toyota Camry with a 2017 front bumper or grille will obviously be different from the vehicle type registration certificate. Therefore, the vehicle owner needs to return that part to its original condition before carrying out vehicle inspection," he added.

Regarding decals on vehicles, the Director of the above inspection center said that as long as the vehicle owner does not use any type of decal that changes the overall registered paint color, the inspection units will still accept it.

Vehicle registration certificates of all models have a type certification image next to information about technical specifications. Photo: Vietnam Register

From the perspective of a scientific researcher, Associate Professor, Dr. Dam Hoang Phuc - Director of the automobile engineering training program at Hanoi University of Science and Technology, also believes that the design of a car is related to the type certification so it must be exactly as registered.

"The grille of many car models is not simply made of plastic. Underneath there may be sensors or radars from the manufacturer, so changing it yourself may not ensure safety and technical standards. Therefore, if users still want to "upgrade", they can completely change the structure of the car to get approval from the authorities," Mr. Phuc added.

A Toyota Fortuner with a Lexus face had its entire front bumper "fall off" after a collision. Photo: OFFB

Clause 2, Article 55 of the 2008 Road Traffic Law clearly states that vehicle owners are not allowed to change the structure, components, or systems of the vehicle that are not in accordance with the manufacturer's design or the renovation design approved by a competent authority.

Point a, Clause 9, Article 30 stipulates: Fine from 6,000,000 to 8,000,000 VND for individuals, from 12,000,000 to 16,000,000 VND for organizations that are owners of cars, tractors, specialized motorbikes and vehicles similar to cars that commit the following acts: Arbitrarily changing the chassis assembly, engine assembly, brake system, transmission system (power transmission), motion system or arbitrarily renovating the structure, shape, size of the vehicle not in accordance with the manufacturer's design or the design registered with the vehicle registration agency or the modified design approved by the competent authority.

After several inspection centers in the Southern region were suspended due to violations in the vehicle inspection process, the Department of Vehicle Inspection issued a directive to tighten automobile inspection in 2023 by establishing a Working Group. The task of the Working Group is to inspect and review the operations of inspection facilities nationwide to improve the quality of vehicles participating in traffic.