What type of vehicle modifications might lead to failing inspection?

Modifications that impair safety or emissions controls can lead to a vehicle failing inspection because these modifications directly affect the vehicle’s compliance with legal standards designed to ensure safety and reduce environmental impact. For example, changes to the exhaust system that bypass emissions controls can result in excessive pollution, which is illegal and a significant concern for environmental regulations. Similarly, any alteration that compromises safety features, such as removing or modifying airbag systems, brakes, or structural integrity, poses a risk to the driver, passengers, and other road users. Inspections are aimed at ensuring all vehicles on the road meet specific safety and emissions standards, and modifications that undermine these critical systems will result in failure during the inspection process.

Cosmetic changes, increased horsepower, or standard audio upgrades usually do not affect the core safety features or emissions controls of the vehicle, making them less likely to result in inspection failure.