DVLA could issue drivers with £5,060 fines over simple failure to report
'No matter how minor the modifications are, any alterations to a car can potentially impact the cost of your car insurance." (Image: The Argus) This article is brought to you by our exclusive subscriber partnership with our sister title USA Today, and has been written by our American colleagues. It does not necessarily reflect the view of The Herald.
The DVLA could issue drivers with £5,060 fines over a very simple mistake.
Brits are being urged to report car modifications to the motoring body or risk severe fines.
The three modifications can result in up to a combined £5,060 in fines and nine licence points.
They are: lowering suspension, adding large spoilers, and tinting windows.
Illegal suspension can risk a £2,500 financial penalty and three penalty points, while spoiler amendments can also mean motorists are fined £2,500 with three points too.
Untaxed cars are hard to hide, easy to tax.
Tax it online on https://t.co/2blbaeYWTv#TaxItDontRiskIt #DVLADigital pic.twitter.com/riPrO1zNLi — DVLA (@DVLAgovuk) May 13, 2025
Julie Daniels from the car insurance team at Compare the Market said: 'No matter how minor the modifications are, any alterations to a car can potentially impact the cost of your car insurance.
"Often it will cost more to insure a modified car because of factors such as: greater possibility of theft, higher risk of speed-related accidents, or simply because your car has increased in value and repairs may now cost more."
Ms Daniels went on: 'If you decide to modify your car while you have an existing insurance policy, you need to notify your provider about the change. Ideally, you should check with your provider before altering your vehicle to find out how it might affect your premium or if there will be any amendment fees involved.'
Tinted windows risk a £60 fine. Police Major Todd Patalano told WLNE-TV: "Tinted windows are a big problem for policing, especially for the patrol division which is out monitoring violations on the roadway every day.'
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BookMyGarage, the leading car service and repair comparison site, commented: "If not enough light passes through your front windscreen or side windows, you may receive a prohibition notice that stops you from using your vehicle on the road until the tint is removed.
"You may also receive a penalty notice or even a court summons for having wrongly or excessively tinted windows, so make sure the job is done properly.
"We would recommend choosing a licensed bodyshop to tint your car's windows as they will know the rules and provide a high-quality finish that's still legal to drive."
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