7.729 — ILLEGAL VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS

Violations of "Statute 7.729" results in an Infraction and a fine of $200

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(a) Definitions

Illegal vehicle modifications refer to any alterations or changes made to a vehicle that violate local, state, or federal laws or regulations. These modifications can include alterations that affect the vehicle’s safety, emissions, noise levels, or performance in ways that make the vehicle non-compliant with legal standards.

Examples of illegal vehicle modifications include:

• Removal or tampering with catalytic converters or emissions control systems, leading to increased pollution or non-compliance with environmental regulations.

• Altering exhaust systems to produce excessively loud noise levels beyond legally permitted limits.

• Modifying or removing safety features such as airbags, seatbelts, or crash protection.

• Modifying the vehicle’s suspension or height to unsafe levels, leading to instability or difficulty controlling the vehicle.

• Altering the vehicle's engine or transmission to increase horsepower beyond legal limits or create emissions violations.

• Installing aftermarket lighting that does not meet state visibility or color requirements.

(b) Elements

To establish the offense of illegal vehicle modifications, the prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt the following elements:

• The defendant knowingly altered, modified, or tampered with the vehicle in a manner that violates legal regulations.

• The modification had the effect of making the vehicle unsafe, non-compliant with emission standards, or excessively noisy, among other issues.

• The defendant made the modification intentionally or recklessly, and it was not an accidental or unintentional change.

(c) Defenses

Defenses against a charge of illegal vehicle modifications may include:

• The defendant was unaware that the modification violated any regulations, and the modification was made in good faith.

• The modification was not illegal in the defendant's jurisdiction or did not affect the vehicle’s safety, performance, or legal compliance.

• The modification was made by a third party and the defendant was not aware of the illegal nature of the change.

(d) Aggravating Factors

The court may consider the following aggravating factors when determining the severity of the offense:

• The modification was done in a way that significantly endangered public safety, such as altering braking or steering systems.

• The defendant made modifications to the vehicle for use in the commission of a crime, such as a stolen vehicle or a vehicle used in illegal activities.

• The defendant has a history of illegal vehicle modifications or similar offenses.