These US states have vehicle modification laws so strict they could get you sent to jail

Some US states have vehicle modification laws so strict that certain car mods could land you with massive fines or even jail time.

That’s bad news if you’ve been dreaming about tricking out your car with a louder exhaust, darker tint, or a booming stereo system.

While manufacturers are held to safety standards, many of these strict laws have less to do with safety and more to do with noise and emissions.

The toughest states for modders are Texas, New Jersey, California, and Arizona, but New York tops them all.

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Noisy cars often get you punished

If you’re a car enthusiast, you’ve probably considered modifying your vehicle at some point.

Some modifications are aesthetic in nature, making your car look cooler, like this Tesla Cybertruck that almost looks like a Ferrari.

Others are more quirky, and test the limits of physics itself, like the world’s lowest car that looks like a pancake on wheels.

However, in many states, there are certain laws regulating what you can do to your vehicle.

For example, in Texas, noisy sound systems are not tolerated.

If your car’s audio tops 68 decibels within 15 feet, that’s a misdemeanor, with fines ranging from $50 to $1,000, and repeat offenders paying up to $2,000 per violation.

In New Jersey, it’s not just audio systems.

State law bans muffler cut-outs, bypasses, or anything that makes your exhaust louder than stock.

Violations can bring $3,000 in local fines, and even 30 days in jail.

This is the same in Minnesota, where a Dodge Charger EV driver got a ticket from a cop for his exhaust allegedly being too loud.

Over in California, illegal exhausts, engine remaps, or turbo installs can mean car impoundment, $1,000 fines, and criminal charges.

Installing lights that make your ride resemble a police car can also land you in jail.

Arizona adds its own twist: tampering with your VIN can earn two and a half years in prison, and even emissions mods are a Class 2 misdemeanor punishable by up to four months behind bars.

New York has the strictest vehicle modification laws

However, the strictest vehicle modification laws are probably in New York.

The state is notoriously unfriendly to car mods, with even fuzzy dice considered to be an obstructed view violation.

Dark tint can get your car searched, and even impounded.

Loud mufflers bring $1,000 fines and 30 days in jail.

In New York City, noise-detecting cameras fine cars up to $2,625 for excessive noise, and honking for non-emergencies can cost $3,000.

The bottom line: if you want to pimp your ride, know the local laws first.

Otherwise, your car mods could end in a fine, an impound, or even jail time.

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