Texas Modification Laws

[sifu_scott]

Does anyone know what modifications are illegal in the state of Texas? I just heard a fellow tell me that ANYTHING after market or non-stock was illegal, but that can't be right, can it? I'm planning on doing some mods on my PT, and want to know if I should be paranoid or not.

Thanks

[CREWZIN]

I can't tell you pacifically about Texas as I only know most of the laws in Florida for my particular county. Their are federal laws and state laws and it goes right down to county laws. Each have their own.

My particular county in Florida doesn't allow ANY cover on the license plate, even a clear cover, nothing at all. Sounds silly but it's on the books.

Then again, there's certain things that your insurance company doesn't allow you do to either.

As far as your Chrysler warranty, whatever you do to your PT is covered by the Magnuson-Moss warranty Act"

Under the Magnusson-Moss Act, a dealership or manufacturer cannot deny warranty coverage solely because the consumer has installed aftermarket parts. This does not give tuners an excuse though, to throw anything they want on the car. If the manufacturer or dealership determines the mechanical problem is fully or even partially due to an aftermarket part, they have the legal right to deny coverage or repair under the warranty. The purpose of the act, in regards to automobiles, is so manufacturers cannot require consumers to purchase the OEM parts. If you decide to use a Fram or Mobil 1 oil filter as opposed to the factory oil filter, this is where the act will protect you by not voiding your warranty. What this all means is that, although you can modify your vehicle with aftermarket parts, you should make sure you being smart about your modifications. No need to waste a good warranty while it?s there.

[quicksilverdon]

That can't be true - what about all those steer horns on pickup trucks?

[soonercruiser]

Little Grasshopper...
You should be able to go to the Texas State Motor Vehicle Dept. web site and find the info you seek.

[adamsfamily95]

Most aftermarket parts have to be DOT or CARB approved to be legal you may check with your local mechaninc to see if the mods will not interfere with inspections or local laws.

[TexasPriest]

Originally Posted by quicksilverdon

That can't be true - what about all those steer horns on pickup trucks?

Spoken like someone who only knows the Hollywood version of Texas

[sifu_scott]

So far, I've discovered that all external neon is illegal (not that I wanted that anyway, but it is) and anything that makes the car louder than factory (i.e. glass packs or other exhaust modifications) are illegal. There's also some gray area with the dual exhaust modifications that stem from the whole "louder than stock" issue. We had a car show near Austin (Round Rock) where the police parked outside the event and wrote tickets to any non-stock cars that drove in. Boy were there a bunch of pissed-off people.

[adamsfamily95]

Most of the mods I was referring to were engine mods to pass stae inspection. You also have to check local laws and city ordinances for other restricitons. Where I live if your rear door tint is lower than 35% you can get a ticket. My other vehicle has a full Flowmaster catback exhaust and cold air intake, so far I have not been pulled over for excessive noise, however exhibition of acceleration is another story!!:

[adamsfamily95]

You can also check the Vernon Civil Stautues for the Texas Penal Code that is what most cities follow in Texas especially DPS

[YoungCruiserrr]

Originally Posted by sifu_scott

Does anyone know what modifications are illegal in the state of Texas? I just heard a fellow tell me that ANYTHING after market or non-stock was illegal, but that can't be right, can it? I'm planning on doing some mods on my PT, and want to know if I should be paranoid or not.

Thanks

your profile says you live in Monroeville Pa, I live like 10 mins from there. Are you moving to Texas or what?