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You can get pulled over for a litany of things. Speeding, lane-straddling, and running a stop sign, to name a few. However, police might write you a ticket if you modify your street legal car with any of these easy-to-acquire accessories or adjustments. 

Modifications are a popular first addition to a new or used car purchase. From aesthetic upgrades to bolt-on performance parts, owners like to put their spin on their vehicles. However, these tweaks could land you in hot water with the authorities. 

  • Radar detectors
  • Aftermarket exhaust systems
  • ECU tampering
  • Window tint

Wish you knew where awaiting police officers were hiding along your favorite route to, you know, open it up a bit? Well, many spirited drivers invest in a radar detector to do just that. The units pick up incoming radar signals to warn you of law enforcement radar use. 

Moreover, these detectors are street legal in some states across the country. However, in others, like Virginia, using a radar detector could land you in trouble with the police. Detectors with a signal jamming element are also illegal in states like Texas, California, and Colorado.

Just because you bought your axle-back, cat-back, or full aftermarket exhaust system from a reputable online purveyor doesn’t mean it’s legal. Ever-changing noise ordinances can turn your seemingly innocuous pipes into the source of fines and citations. For instance, New York City employs decibel (dB) measuring devices on cameras throughout the city. These dB-capturing devices could single out your throaty car and land you an $800 ticket on your first offense. 

From diesel pickup trucks to razor-sharp street cars, ECU modifications are a popular way to “unlock” some of your vehicle’s potential without expensive bolt-ons or time-consuming builds. However, ECU tuning will often decrease efficiency as it increases performance. As such, California outlawed the practice in 2021.

Finally, your window tint could be grounds for a traffic stop in your otherwise street legal ride. Furthermore, police officers in some states, like Texas, may pull you over for any front window “light transmittance value of 25% or more,” per the Texas Department of Public Safety. However, side windows in the rear of a vehicle can have a dark or limo tint without breaking the law.

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Staff Writer

Erik Sherman

Erik Sherman joined the MotorBiscuit team as an Autos Writer in 2022. An admitted petrolhead and an avid motorcyclist, Erik has owned everything from classic cars to motorcycles to modern driver’s cars. Erik also has extensive experience with military and emergency vehicles, ranging from ambulances and fire engines to MRAPs and M-ATVs. Erik is an eager car and motorcycle reviewer with experience covering everything from sports cars to pontoon boats and jet skis.

Erik holds a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations (IRG) from the University of Texas at Austin and has studied Chinese, Energy, and European Politics at the University of Glasgow in Scotland. Erik’s background is unorthodox; he is a United States Marine Corps (USMC) combat veteran, water survival practitioner, and a former firefighter/EMT. Additionally, Erik is a regular volunteer and former instructor with the American Red Cross (ARC).