Hi. I'm doing som research about rules and regulations around modifications and rebuilding of road leagal cars.
Specially within the EU-countries.
I live in Norway and the rules and regulations are a real pia, and it's abt time they change.
But to do that the right governmental institutions and people needs to be adressed and informed.
So, thats why I am asking. How are the rules and regulations in other European countries around things like Raising suspension, increasing tire sizes, front mounted winches, steel front- and rear bumpers like ARB and such.
Here in Romania, you rule of thumb is that you cannot change anything from the manufacturers specifications, especially regarding (but not limited to) the following:
Wheel and tyre sizes as stated on the registration document;
Suspension height;
Track width;
Length of wheelbase;
Lighting, including the figment of auxiliary lighting;
Engine.
I’ve stopped there for convenience, although the list would probably go on ad infinitude.
Should one wish to change any of the above, the vehicle should go for re-registration and the registration document will be revised as appropriate.
It sounds easy, but each step with the authorities will be a real pain.
For example, on my 80 series Euro Spec HZJ, the tyre size on the Registration document is 215/85/16.
I’m running 305/70/16 and technically they are illegal because they don’t match the Registration document.
To make this legal, I would need a letter from Toyota confirming the suitability of the intended tyre size. I wouldn’t get that because Toyota never fitted 305/70/16 to any of their 80 Series vehicles. I would likely get approval of 265/75/16 because I believe that to be a production vehicle size, but no bigger.
End of story.
Suspension lifts would be an absolute nightmare, so I continue to be illegal, until such time as the Police decide to cancel my registration, which they can do, without recourse.
I’ve got away with it for 12 years so far, and even with official Police accident reports, they’ve not yet suggested cancellation.