If you’re interested in adding a bespoke touch to your vehicle there are a huge variety of customisations you can make, from exterior paint jobs and wrapping, to interior car customisation like re-upholstery.

Vehicle customisations can also be made if you have impaired or restricted mobility. You can commission bespoke customisations that make driving with a disability easier, such as steering or driver aids and other handy modifications that help with ease of access.

What Car Customisations and Modifications Can You Legally Make?

In the UK, there are lots of rules pertaining to what you can and can’t modify, when it comes to customizing your car. It’s important to follow them, as the police are more likely to stop customised vehicles, so you need to make sure any work you do is totally legal to avoid a heavy fine or penalty.

The most common customisations that are currently legal to make in the UK are:

Lowered Suspension – Must be carried out by a competent mechanic or your car could fail its MOT.

Tinted Windows – A minimum of 70% light must be able to get through the front side windows, while 75% of light must filter through the front windscreen.

Big exhausts – Most big-bore exhausts are illegal on UK roads because of excessive noise and emissions but some are allowed. If you do upgrade your exhaust, make sure you have exhaust silencers installed too.

Sound Systems and Sub Woofers – It’s legal to install an after-market sound system but remember the police can seize any vehicle that’s causing a public disturbance. Make sure you’re not maxing out the volume anywhere people might complain.

Brake modifications such as larger brake callipers, and vented, drilled, or grooved brake discs – Get these checked out by a professional engineer before you make this kind of mod, as your car may not be suitable.

Spoilers – Any spoiler you install must be fitted securely, must not obstruct the driver’s view, and cannot have any dangerous sharp edges.

Number plates – Personalised number plates are legal in the UK, but your front plates must be reflective white, and your rear plates must be reflective yellow. You must also adhere to current UK legislation regarding letter and number size, as well as font, characters, and spacing.

Wheels and Tyres – can customise your tyres, though you must ensure there is enough space between the tyre and arch. Wheels can be modified, though consult with your car manufacturer first, as changing your wheels can seriously affect your car’s handling.

Undercar lights – You can install undercar lights, but you must ensure that any tubing is hidden if you want to stay legal. Your lights must also not be too bright, so they don’t distract other drivers.

Paintwork and car wraps – Wraps are an affordable way to personalise your car and protect your paintjob.

Can I change the colour of my front or rear headlights?

No. In the UK it’s a legal requirement that all front headlights must be white or yellow, while rear lights must always be red.

Can I use blue lights?

No. Only the police and emergency services can use blue lights in the UK. However, xenon HID bulbs that can appear to be bluer are still road legal within certain limits, if they have a colour temperature of 6000K or less.

Should I paint or wrap my car?

Wrapping your car can be an affordable way to extend the life of your car’s paint work and can also help you add a bespoke touch without having to resort to a full-on paint job. However, if the paint work on your car is in poor condition, it’s not a great idea to go for a car wrap as any flaws will still show through.

Can a wrapped car go through a carwash?

Yes. If your car is wrapped it can go through a professional car wash, though a touchless wash is the preferable choice. Brush car washes might dull or scratch your wrap and can also cause the edge of the film to lift and bubble.