For some car buyers, it’s never enough to just buy a car. You have to do something to absolutely make it your own. This usually comes in the form of a modification. In some cases, car owners would only have one done. In other cases, car owners pretty much don’t know where to stop.

According to Money Super Market, a car modification refers to a certain change done to the vehicle which is significantly different from the original factory specification of the car manufacturer. Some of these changes can be done purely for aesthetic reasons.

On the other hand, there are also those car owners who get car modifications done to change the performance of the car. To be able to do this, they can make some changes to the car’s engine and mechanics. This would involve the transmission, exhaust system, air filter and even the engine itself. At the same time, they may also choose to alter the brakes and suspension of the car.

Meanwhile, some car owners would also have modifications to make changes to certain functions in the car. For instance, owners of older car models may opt to have air conditioning added. Meanwhile, some may also add parking sensors and a satellite navigation system to assist them while they are driving.

Regardless of what type of modification you are thinking about doing, just remember that some of these modifications can get you in trouble with the law. To make sure you have a good reference for this, here’s a look at 10 mods that can easily attract cops on the road and 10 that are probably okay:

20 Attracts Cops: Light Bars in Neon

Sure, the idea of having your car glow from underneath may seem attractive to you. After all, it may just make it easier for you to spot your car in the middle of the night. On the other hand, installing some lights under your car would also make it stand out especially if you are the type who likes to attend various car evens to show off your ride.

That said, however, you should take note that this type of car modification can get you in serious trouble with the cops. This especially true if the color that you choose for your light bars is neon. The logic is simple. In some cases, the neon light can end up confusing other drivers on the road with you regarding your driving intentions. This is basically why a white neon light bar under the rear bumper is not allowed in a lot of places. On the other hand, other neon colors are also not allowed for use because it can be similar to the strobes of emergency vehicles.

19 Attracts Cops: Very Dark Tint

Obviously, you would want your car to have some degree of tint on the front windshield, windows and the rear windshield. After all, every time you go out to drive, the sun’s harmful UV rays can harm your skin and even compromise your overall health.

According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, laminating or tinting your car is an effective way to make sure that you are not exposed to UV rays while on the road. In fact, one study has found that skin cell death can be reduced by as much as 93 percent when one’s UV exposure gets filtered via a UV-absorbing auto glass.

However, when you tint your car, just be sure not to overdo it. That’s because, in some states, you can get a ticket if your tint is too dark. Check your own state laws and tint accordingly.

18 Attracts Cops: Lift Kits

At some point while you’ve been on the road, you have probably seen vehicles which were modified with a lift kit. Here, a car owner would use a suspension or body lift kit to get their vehicle much higher off the ground. When this is done, they can also readily install much taller and bigger tires to their vehicle. This can certainly change the car’s look and even end up modifying its performance.

If you happen to be driving a truck, modifying the truck with a lift kit can certainly help you especially when you do a lot of off-roading. After all, this would give your tires a lot more clearance without making any changes to the truck’s factory suspension alignment and geometry.

On the other hand, using a lift kit on your car can also get you in trouble with the law. This is because, as your car is lifted, so are its headlights. When you’re on the road at night, this might obstruct the vision of other drivers.

17 Attracts Cops: Plate Frames

At some point in your life, you have probably thought of adding a frame to your car plates. After all, you want to a car that looks uniquely yours. Hence, you want to give your car plates a frame that’s got a special design on the sides. It may not be necessary, but it certainly makes you happy.

Well, before you go on and commit to a set of plate frames for your car, you need to know that this kind of modification comes with consequences. In fact, having plate frames on your car plates may just result in you getting a ticket.

This is because a plate frame can end up concealing some vital details that law enforcement officers need to be able to readily see on your car plates. These include your complete plate letters and numbers as well as the state name on your plates.

16 Attracts Cops: Automatic Plate Covers

Perhaps, nobody needs to tell you that driving around without a completely concealed car plate is simply illegal. Nonetheless, there are some car owners who do it anyway. In fact, there have been a number of cars spotted on the streets with their plates completely concealed in black.

Meanwhile, some even purchase an automatic license plate cover for the car. This system comes with a switch that you can put near your seat. Once you feel like you need to cover up, all you have to do is flick a switch and your car plates are no longer visible. It might sound cool, but it is definitely not allowed.

15 Attracts Cops: Exhaust Modifications

There are some car owners who simply like to go fast. Instead of buying another car with a bigger engine and a bigger horsepower though, they result in doing some modifications to their current car instead. One modification that can certainly help increase the horsepower in the car is an exhaust modification.

In this case, you utilize an aftermarket exhaust car kit to get a modification done. The problem with this type of modification, however, is that it can end up disabling or altering your emissions levels. If this is the case, officers can absolutely say that your car is breaking the law. Hence, it would not pass any inspection and your car would become illegal to drive.

14 Attracts Cops: Booming System

We get it. You love music. You like to listen to your favorite songs while you are driving around in your precious car. This is exactly why you are seriously considering putting a booming system in your car. After all, you want to drive around like everywhere you go is a party. The problem is, cops certainly won’t appreciate it.

You may not realize it, but when your music is too loud, it can lead to a serious damage in your eardrums. This is precisely way, you can get a ticket from a law enforcement officer because of this modification. If they do issue you a ticket, it would be based on decibel level or the level of noise that you are making in the area.

13 Attracts Cops: Low-Riding Modifications

While some car owners like to ride high especially when they are driving around in a pickup truck, there are those who prefer to ride low. In some ways, doing so can help make your car safer.

In fact, according to MotoringBox, lowering your car results in a lower center of gravity. This is because the car would now sit closer to the ground. Because of this, there is better stability especially during turns and emergency maneuvers. At the same time, there would also be less air going underneath the car, effectively reducing the amount of drag that the car is submitted to.

On the other hand, having a vehicle that is too low can also end up damaging certain roads and highway. This is perhaps why states regulate just low your car can be modified to.

12 Attracts Cops: Laser Jammers

Especially when the road is wide open, and the weather is perfect, it can be tempting for a car driver to speed up way above the imposed speed limit in the area. If you get caught though, it can certainly get you in some deep trouble with the cops.

For some drivers, one effective way to avoid trouble is by installing a laser jammer in their car. Today, law enforcement officers typically use laser guns instead of radar to track vehicle speed along the highway. With a jammer, you can distort the signal being sent from the police officer’s device. And while this may sound like something out of an action movie, it is certainly not a good idea. For starters, it is already illegal in several states.

11 Attracts Cops: Radar Devices

Another available car modification for your car is the addition of a radar device. This would allow you to readily detect if a radar is within your immediate driving area. Moreover, the information from the radar detector can readily be displayed on your car screen, making it easier for you to see them.

While radar devices are actually legal in a lot of states, a law enforcement officer can still issue you a ticket for it in certain cases.

For instance, you may have installed your radar device in such a way that it is already mounted above your car’s dashboard. Because of this, the radar detector is effectively obstructing your driving view.

On the other hand, if you happen to own a fleet of commercial vehicles, be sure that you don’t install any radar device on them at all. This is because doing so would be completely illegal.

10 Probably OK: Wheelchair Clamps, Lift or Straps

When you or someone in the family needs a little help getting around, car modifications such as wheelchair clamps or straps or even a wheelchair lift. Having any of these installed would certainly help out anyone who is mobility challenged.

When choosing among various available modifications for a wheelchair though, there are certain factors you need to keep in mind. First, you need to make sure that the modification would still leave you with ample space to store the wheelchair while the car is moving. Next and equally important, you need to make sure that the modification also offers a mechanism that allows you safely secure the wheelchair in place while the car is moving. This is especially critical when you are traveling along the highway at relatively high speeds.

9 Probably OK: Hand Controls

Hand controls are another modification that you can go for if you and or anyone in the family is having some trouble driving with the vehicle’s regular configuration. Luckily for you, in the case of a hand control car modification, there are a number of types you can choose from.

According to M.C. Mobility Systems, Inc., these include the right angle, right hand, push pull and push rock hand controls. Aside from this, there is also the traditional action hand control. Perhaps, it is best to consult with a medical professional or rehabilitation specialist regarding which type of hand control would suit your needs best. Just keep in mind too, that you need to secure a prescription from your driver rehabilitation specialist before you can purchase this type of car modification.

8 Probably OK: Roof Rack

Especially when you’re the adventurous type and you like to head out into the wild during the weekend, a roof rack can be absolutely helpful. With a proper roof rack installed on top of your car, you can readily store just about anything you need. These include a kayak, bike, extra adventure gear and even your rooftop tent.

Before you buy and install a roof rack though, just be sure that you choose the right one for your car. The first thing you do is check the weight. A proper roof rack must be strong, but never too heavy. After all, it still going to take on more weight from all your stuff.

7 Probably OK: Bike Rack

When you want to stay in good shape, doing some cycling around the town makes for a good workout. Even better, you can also drive out of town with your bike during weekend take a scenic bike ride through nature. To be able to carry your bike around though, you would definitely need to install a bike rack on your car.

When it comes to bike racks, there are plenty of styles that you can choose from. According to outdoor gear specialist Recreational Equipment, Inc, there are available trunk racks, hitch racks and truck racks for bikes. At the same time, bikes can also be secured using a roof rack.

6 Probably OK: Tow Bar

If you happen to be driving a pickup truck, SUV or a van and you want to be able to carry around bulky gear or accessories readily, then a tow bar is the best car modification for you. Tow bars are quite advantageous in a number of ways. For starters, they are quite easy to use.

At the same time, they can be used to secure just about anything for your outdoor adventures, including your bikes, boat trailer, caravan or horsebox. Meanwhile, they are also quite easy to maintain.

When it comes to tow bars, you have several types to choose from. These include fixed tow bar, detachable tow bar, and retractable tow bar.

5 Probably OK: Parking Sensors

Especially for older vehicle models, there’s a chance that parking sensors were not yet included in the car. If this is the case, it would certainly be a good idea to purchase this type of car modification as soon as possible.

Parking sensors are typically attached throughout the car. These would allow you to have a better gauge of your car’s proximity to everything else around you.

That’s because you would be alerted if an object or another car is already too close to the vehicle. Hence, once it beeps, you would know right away to stop backing up or moving forward. This can be incredibly helpful especially when you are trying to fit your car in a really tight parking space.

4 Probably OK: Sync Phone Technology

In today’s world, carrying a smartphone around everywhere you go is like carrying a lifeline. The fast pace of our society means that you have to stay connected most of the time. The problem with this is that it can lead to serious road accidents while driving. This is precisely why it is recommended to have your phone connected to your car so that you won’t have to hold it to access anything or take phone calls while on the road.

Fortunately, you can have a sync phone technology installed in your car. Typically, this system can readily connect with any smartphone that runs on Android or Apple. Even better, it can also be used to download your phonebook into the car so that you can easily make a call while driving using only voice commands.

3 Probably OK: Sunroof

Nowadays, having a sunroof or moonroof has become quite a popular feature among vehicles. Whether it’s a sedan, hatchback, SUV or minivan, car buyers are looking forward to driving around with an unobstructed view of the sky.

On the other hand, if you happen to have an older car model, it is possible that you still don’t have a sunroof. If this is the case, you have the option of adding one yourself by way of a car modification.

Before you go ahead and buy an aftermarket sunroof though, it is best to check if your vehicle is suited for a sunroof installation. If your vehicle has overhead storage bins, roof supports or even roof-mounted accessories, a sunroof can definitely not be installed. Even worse, a sunroof can also compromise the roof’s integrity in some cases.

2 Probably OK: 360-Degree Camera

Nowadays, it has been proven that having a camera can be helpful in helping you avoid collisions or other types of accidents while driving on the road. And when it comes to having a view of your surroundings while you’re driving, nothing gives you a more complete picture than a 360-degree camera.

A 360-degree camera or a surround view camera provides you with a birds-eye view of the car and its surroundings from overhead. Aside from seeing your car on the screen, you also get to see curbs, parking lot lane markings, and adjacent cars. This way, you have a better idea of how to navigate your car in and out of a given space.

1 Probably OK: Rear Camera

Especially when you are backing up your car to park, having a rear camera can always be helpful. No wonder, car owners are opting to get this type of car modification done nowadays.

A rearview camera is particularly useful when you are backing up to park your car. This way, you can readily see if there is an object or a pedestrian in your way. Aside from this, you will also be able to see where the other parked vehicles are situated around you.

When it comes to a rearview camera, you currently have a choice between three types. There is the flush mounted camera that is mounted using a hold in the body of the car. There is also the license mounted camera that gets mounted right on the car’s existing license plate hole. On the other hand, there is the surface mounted camera which is mounted on a flat surface in the rear of the vehicle.

Sources: moneysupermarket.com, skincancer.org, motorningbox.com, mcmobilitysystems.com