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California has one of the most iconic car cultures in the world. It is the Porsche capital of North America, home to many incredible restomodders, a whole west-side low-rider culture lies beneath, and anything in-between can be found in the Sunshine State.
However, it also comes with some of the strictest laws about customizing your ride. What might be cool in one state can be a straight-up ticket magnet in Cali. Before you slap on that new intake or jack up your suspension, here’s what you need to know.
We’re breaking down 9 illegal mods in California—and showing you one simple mod that upgrades your ride without breaking the law.
1. Too-Dark Window Tint
Dark window tints may look slick, but in California, it’s a no-go on the front side windows and windshield unless it lets in at least 70% of light. Go darker, and you’re cruising around with an illegal mod. The rear windows? You’ve got more freedom there, but up front, play it safe.
2. Extreme Suspension Lifts or Drops
Are you considering lifting your truck sky-high or slamming your car to the ground? California says, “Not so fast.” Suspension mods are legal—up to a point. Exceed the body lift limit (5 inches) or raise your frame beyond what your vehicle’s weight allows, and you're in illegal mod territory.
3. Unauthorized Turbochargers and Superchargers
Want more horsepower? Turbo and superchargers are the go-to for power junkies. But unless your system has a CARB EO number (that’s California Air Resources Board Executive Order), it’s considered an illegal mod. Without that certification, you’ll flunk your emissions test and face possible fines.
4. Driver-Visible Video Screens
Is your center screen blasting YouTube or a movie while you drive? That’s a hard no in California. Unless it’s displaying navigation, a rearview camera, or car settings, any screen visible to the driver while driving is illegal. Entertainment needs to stay in the back seat.
5. Cold Air Intakes Without CARB Approval
Cold air intakes are popular for a reason—better airflow means better performance. But again, CARB certification is the make-or-break. Install a non-approved intake, and boom: another illegal mod.
6. Studded Tires (When It’s Not Winter)
Studded tires are legal—but only during winter months. Use them out of season, and you're damaging the roads and violating the law. Time it wrong, and your tires become an illegal mod overnight.
7. Laser Jammers
Trying to dodge speeding tickets with laser jammers? Not in California. These devices mess with police radar equipment and are banned. That slick tech toy can land you with a hefty fine—and possibly worse.
8. Red Lights on the Front of Your Vehicle
Red lights look cool…until they confuse other drivers or mimic emergency vehicles. In California, red lighting belongs behind your car, not on the front. Want to stay legal? Stick to white or amber up front and leave the red in the rear.
9. Excessively Loud Mufflers
Love that deep, aggressive rumble? California doesn’t. Anything louder than 95 decibels on vehicles under 6,000 pounds is illegal. So unless your aftermarket exhaust is quiet and CARB-certified, you're back in illegal mod territory again.
The Best CARB-Legal Performance Mod: Fukin Tuned Throttle Response Controller
Now that you know what not to install, let’s talk about a legal mod that actually delivers results: the Fukin Tuned throttle response controller. Unlike most illegal mods that mess with your engine or emissions system, the Fukin Tuned throttle response controller doesn’t interfere with the factory settings of your ride. It is CARB-legal, and authorities accept it as a safe and legal performance mod.
Modding your ride is part of car culture, especially in California. But don’t let your dream build get ruined by illegal mods. Always check for CARB certification, know the limits, and stay within legal boundaries. If you want better performance without the risk, go with products that come with a CARB certification.