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Below you will see what is illegal and whats not when modifying your vehicle and some helpful links

Highway Traffic Act [.pdf] 969Kb
Environmental Protection Act [.pdf] 746Kb
Dangerous Goods Transportation Act [.pdf] 128Kb


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I want to add Red, Blue, Green, Purple or other coloured lights or coloured windshield sprayer lights to this car

It is illegal to have any coloured lights other than white or amber to the front of a car. Red is restricted to Police, Fire and Ambulance, Green is restricted to Volunteer Firefighters and blue is restricted to Snow Plows and Highway Sanders.

HTA 62(1) (All Lights) – Drive without proper headlights – motor vehicle - $85.00/110.00
Highway Traffic Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8

HTA 62(15) (Red Lights) - Red light at front - $85.00/$110.00
Highway Traffic Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8

HTA 62(16) (Green Lights) – Use VFF lamp improperly - $85.00/$110.00
Highway Traffic Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8

HTA 62(32) (Blue Lights) – Improper use of blue flashing light - $85.00/$110.00
Highway Traffic Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8


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I think the tires on this car are still good. How do I check?

Check the tread depth. Tires that are worn below 1.5 millimeters in two adjacent major grooves or where tread wear indicators contact the roadway are unsafe. Any exposed cord or bulges in the sidewall make the tries unsafe too.

HTA 70(3)(a) – Improper tires - $85.00/$110.00
Highway Traffic Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8

HTA O.Reg 625 Section 5(b) – Reference Section for HTA 70(3)(a)
Highway Traffic Act - R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 625


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One of the wheel fasteners has fallen off this car. I'll just drive it until Monday when I can get it fixed

No wheel stud, bolt, clamp, nut or lug shall be loose, missing, damaged, broken, mismatched or have insufficient thread engagement.

HTA O.Reg 611 Schedule 1 Section 7(3)(a) - Reference Section for HTA 84 – Operate unsafe vehicle – No Set Fine, Maximum $20,000.00 fine.
Highway Traffic Act - R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 611


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I want to install racing or drag slicks on this car

It is illegal to use any tire that is marked “not for highway use” or any tire that is not DOT or otherwise approved.

HTA 70(3)(a) – Improper tires - $85.00/$110.00
Highway Traffic Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8

HTA O.Reg 625 Section 5(b) – Reference Section for HTA 70(3)(a)
Highway Traffic Act - R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 625


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I want to add green side marker lights to this car

Your car must be OVER 6.1 meters in length and the lights can not be visible to the front or the rear. In addition, the lights cannot be flashing.

HTA 62(1) (All Lights) – Drive without proper headlights – motor vehicle - $85.00/110.00
Highway Traffic Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8

HTA 62(13) (Side Marker Lights) – Improper use of side marker lamps - $85.00/$110.00
Highway Traffic Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8

HTA 62(16) (Green Flashing Lights) – Use VFF lamp improperly - $85.00/$110.00
Highway Traffic Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8


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I want to paint this car a different colour

No Problem, just remember to get a new vehicle permit within 6 days. This also applies to if you change the engine, fuel system, number of doors, number of axles or convert the body style.

HTA O.Reg 628 Section 3 – Vehicle modified – fail to apply for new permit - $85.00/$110.00
Highway Traffic Act - R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 628


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I want to remove the door handles on this car

No Problem. Just how do you expect emergency services to get you out of your car in the event of a crash?


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I want to tint the windows on this car

There is no restriction on window tint or colouring on rear windows as long as there are side mirrors providing a clear view to the rear. A driver must have a clear view out of the front windows and the windshield and a police officer must have a clear view in.

HTA 73(1)(a) – Window obstructed / Windshield obstructed - $85.00/$110.00
Highway Traffic Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8

HTA 73(3) – Colour coating obscuring interior - $85.00/$110.00
Highway Traffic Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8


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I want to lower the suspension and slam this car

No part of the tires may come into contact with the vehicle, no part of the vehicle can touch the ground and the front wheels cannot be visibly out of alignment.

HTA 70(3)(a) – Improper tires - $85.00/$110.00
Highway Traffic Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8

HTA O.Reg 625 Section 5(b) – Reference Section for HTA 70(3)(a)
Highway Traffic Act - R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 625

HTA O.Reg 611 Schedule 1 Section 3(5) – Reference Section for HTA 84 – Operate unsafe vehicle – No Set Fine, Maximum $20,000.00 fine.
Highway Traffic Act - R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 611


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I want to remove or alter the gas cap on this car

The gas cap must be able to provide a seal to meet emission standards. All Emission Control Equipment manufactured on a vehicle must be present and operating as intended. If the manufacturer put it there, it has to stay.

EPA 23(2) Person - knowingly operating vehicle - emission control equipment not complying with regulations - $300.00/$365.00
Environmental Protection Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. E.19


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I want to put oversize or wide tires on this car

The tires must be approved for highway use and can not be in contact with any part of the car. You may also have to install mud guards or mud flaps.

HTA 70(3)(a) – Improper tires - $85.00/$110.00
Highway Traffic Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8

HTA 66(3) – Improper mudguards / No mudguards - $85.00/110.00
Highway Traffic Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8

HTA O.Reg 625 Section 5(b) – Reference Section for HTA 70(3)(a)
Highway Traffic Act - R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 625


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I want to add graphics to the top of the windshield of this car

Depending on the size of the lettering this may be illegal. There can be nothing obstructing the driver’s view of the road ahead. A good guide is to avoid the area swept by the windshield wipers.

HTA 73(1)(b) - Have object obstructing view - $85.00/$110.00
Highway Traffic Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8


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I want to lighten this car by replacing the windshield and door glass

Installing non-safety glass is illegal.

HTA 72(3) – Install non-safety glass – No Set Fine, Maximum $1,000.00 fine.
Highway Traffic Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8

HTA O.Reg 611 Schedule 1 Section 1(7)(a)&(d) - Reference Section for HTA 84 – Operate unsafe vehicle – No Set Fine, Maximum $20,000.00 fine.
Highway Traffic Act - R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 611


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I want to modify the wipers to have one blade

No Problem, as long as it properly clears the windshield and does not obstruct the view of the driver.

HTA 66(1)(a) – Improper windshield wiper / No windshield wiper - $85.00/$110.00
Highway Traffic Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8

HTA 73(1)(b) - Have object obstructing view - $85.00/$110.00
Highway Traffic Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8


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I want to remove the windshield wipers on this car

Every car or truck must have a system to remove moisture from the windshield. It must be in good working order at all times and controlled by the driver.

HTA 66(1)(a) – Improper windshield wiper / No windshield wiper - $85.00/$110.00
Highway Traffic Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8


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I want to add red, blue or green turn signals to this car

Red Lights on the front are restricted to Police Fire and Ambulance. Green is restricted to Volunteer Firefighters and blue is restricted to Snow Plows and Highway Sanders.

HTA 62(1) (All Lights) – Drive without proper headlights – motor vehicle - $85.00/110.00
Highway Traffic Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8

HTA 62(15) (Red Lights) - Red light at front - $85.00/$110.00
Highway Traffic Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8

HTA 62(14) Red Lights – Use lamp producing intermittent flashes of red light - $85.00/$110.00
Highway Traffic Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8

HTA 62(16) (Green Lights) – Use VFF lamp improperly - $85.00/$110.00
Highway Traffic Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8

HTA 62(32) (Blue Lights) – Improper use of blue flashing light - $85.00/$110.00
Highway Traffic Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8


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I want to install smoked headlight covers or masks over the headlights

It is illegal to cover your Headlights with any tinted or coloured material or to reduce the effective area of the beam of your headlights.

HTA 62(7) - Drive with headlamp coated / Drive with headlamp covered / Drive with headlamp modified - $85.00/$110.00
Highway Traffic Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8


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I want to drive with my headlights, fog lights, rally lights and marker lights on at night

A car can’t have more than four lights pointing forward, projecting a beam with an intensity over 300 candela.

HTA 62(9) – More than 4 lighted headlights - $85.00/$110.00
Highway Traffic Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8


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I want to set this car up to have the headlights flash alternately

It is illegal to have alternating flashing headlights except for emergency vehicles.

HTA 169(2) – Prohibited use of alternating highbeam headlights - $85.00/$110.00
Highway Traffic Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8


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I want to drive with only the fog lights or daylight running lights on at night

A proper headlight for night (½ hour before sunset and ½ hour after sunrise) must be capable of switching between projecting high beams or low beams. This must be controlled by the driver.

HTA O.Reg 596 Section 2(1) – Improper Lights - $85.00/$110.00
Highway Traffic Act - R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 596


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I want to add a tail, fin or spoiler to this car

No Problem; as long as it is securely fastened to the vehicle and there are mirrors in good working order that provide a clear view to the rear.

HTA 111(2) – Insecure load - $130.00/160.00
Highway Traffic Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8

HTA 74(1)(b) – No clear view rear - $85.00/$110.00
Highway Traffic Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8


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I want to put the validation sticker on my licence plate cover or show all the stickers for every year I have owned my car

Your sticker or val-tag must be affixed to the top right corner of the rear plate for cars and front plate for commercial motor vehicles.

HTA 12(1)(f) – Use validation not in accordance with Act / Regulations - $140.00/$170.00
Highway Traffic Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8


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I want to put a darkened or coloured licence plate cover on the car

It is an offence to obstruct, cover or do anything that makes the licence plate numbers not plainly visible or makes the plate appear to be different from the intended appearance.

HTA – Dark, coloured or dirty cover 13(2) – Obstruct plate / Dirty Plate / Entire plate not plainly visible - $85.00/$110.00
Highway Traffic Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8

HTA – Yellow or red cover 13(1) – Confuse identity of plate - $85.00/$110.00
Highway Traffic Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8


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I want to install a neon light around my licence plate

It is illegal to have any other light directed at your licence plate other than white and the light must shine on the plate only. It is illegal to have a coloured neon light illuminate your licence plate. A white light must illuminate your plate.

HTA 62(19) – Improper number plate light - $85.00/$110.00
Highway Traffic Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8

 
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I want to install a nitrous oxide system in my car

It is legal to possess nitrous oxide. However, the system must be securely mounted. The bottle should be mounted rigidly away from crumple zones. Hatchbacks with bottles containing compressed gas must have a blow-by tube routed underneath the car; in case of failure the gas vents out of the vehicle, not in it. Do not drop it or damage the valve and do not grind off the bottle's date of manufacture. Secure bottles firmly in their mounting brackets, preferably with rubber insulation to protect the bottle. The lines from the bottle to the engine must be of the highest quality and kept separate from all heat sources.
Note: Although legal to possess, most insurance companies will not insure a vehicle equipped with nitrous oxide systems.

Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act: Fail to meet safety requirements, safety standards and safety marks while transporting dangerous goods. (Section 2) - no set fine
Dangerous Goods Transportation Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. D.1


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I want to replace my gas tank with a fuel cell

The fuel delivery and storage system must be sealed to prevent the emission of fuel vapours. All Emission Control Equipment manufactured on a vehicle must be present and operating as intended.

EPA 23(2) Person — knowingly operating vehicle — emission control equipment not complying with regulations - $300.00/$365.00
Environmental Protection Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. E.19


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I want to remove or hollow out the Catalytic Converter on this car

The Catalytic Converter sensor is an emission control component. All Emission Control Equipment manufactured on a vehicle must be present and operating as intended. If the manufacturer put it there, it has to stay.

EPA 23(2) Person — knowingly operating vehicle — emission control equipment not complying with regulations - $300.00/$365.00
Environmental Protection Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. E.19


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I want to install a custom exhaust on this car

All cars, trucks and motorcycles need to be equipped with a muffler in good working order and in constant operation to prevent excessive or unusual noise and excessive smoke. Use of a muffler cut-out, straight exhaust, gutted muffler, Hollywood muffler, by-pass or similar device is prohibited.

HTA 75(1) – No muffler - Motor Vehicle / Improper muffler - Motor Vehicle – $85.00/$110.00

HTA 74(4) – Unreasonable smoke / Unnecessary Noise - $85.00/$110.00
Highway Traffic Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8


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I want to remove the mirrors on this car

You must keep at least one mirror to provide you with a clear view of the road to the rear.

HTA 66(1)(b) – Improper mirror / No Mirror - $85.00/$110.00
Highway Traffic Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8


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I want to install a neon or other light around the dash board

If it is visible outside of the car then the applicable lighting offences apply. Interior lights that obstruct your view may be subject to additional charges.

HTA 62(1) (All Lights) – Drive without proper headlights – motor vehicle - $85.00/110.00
Highway Traffic Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8

HTA 62(15) (Red Lights) - Red light at front - $85.00/$110.00
Highway Traffic Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8

HTA 62(14) Red Lights – Use lamp producing intermittent flashes of red light - $85.00/$110.00
Highway Traffic Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8

HTA 62(16) (Green Lights) – Use VFF lamp improperly - $85.00/$110.00
Highway Traffic Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8

HTA 62(32) (Blue Lights) – Improper use of blue flashing light - $85.00/$110.00
Highway Traffic Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8


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I want to put the front plate on the dash

Every car or truck must display two plates; One on the front and one on the back in a conspicuous location. The Plate has to be on the vehicle, not in the vehicle.

HTA 7(1)(b) – Drive motor vehicle fail to display two plates - $85.00/$110.00
Highway Traffic Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8


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I want to remove the charcoal canister from this car

All Emission Control Equipment manufactured on a vehicle must be present and operating as intended. If the manufacturer put it there, it has to stay.

EPA 23(2) Person — knowingly operating vehicle — emission control equipment not complying with regulations - $300.00/$365.00
Environmental Protection Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. E.19


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I want to disconnect the oxygen sensor on this car

The oxygen sensor is an emission control component. All Emission Control Equipment manufactured on a vehicle must be present and operating as intended. If the manufacturer put it there, it has to stay.

EPA 23(2) Person — knowingly operating vehicle — emission control equipment not complying with regulations - $300.00/$365.00
Environmental Protection Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. E.19


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I want to install a cold air intake on this car This modification can be made legally, provided that the Positive Crankcase System remains a closed loop system and the emissions are returned to be burned off by the combustion components of the engine. All Emission Control Equipment manufactured on a vehicle must be present and operating as intended.

EPA 23(2) Person — knowingly operating vehicle — emission control equipment not complying with regulations - $300.00/$365.00
Environmental Protection Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. E.19


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I want to hang something from the mirror of this car

There can be nothing obstructing the driver’s view of the road ahead.

HTA 73(1)(b) – Have object obstructing view - $85.00/$110.00
Highway Traffic Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8


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I want to install a DVD player or TV in the dash of this car

A modification of this type may be illegal. Driving with distractions such as video games, movies and TV shows is very dangerous. If the DVD player has a ‘kill switch’ that only allows the TV to work when the car is parked, then this is OK. Back seats are allowed to have TVs or DVD players. GPS navigation systems, electronic truck logs, courier and police dispatching systems are examples of permitted use of TVs.

HTA 78(1)(a) – Television in front seat $85.00/$110.00
HTA 78(1)(b) – Television visible to driver $85.00/$110.00
HTA 78 (2) – Television operating in front seat $85.00/$110.00
HTA 78 (2) – Television operating - visible to driver $85.00/$110.00
Highway Traffic Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8


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I want to replace or modify the instrument cluster on this car

No Problem, but the odometer must be in good working order.

HTA 66(5) – Defective odometer / No Odometer - $85.00/$110.00
Highway Traffic Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8


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I want to remove the air bags on this car

No Problem. There are no laws that state you must have, keep or maintain your air bags. Just notify your insurance company so they can adjust your premiums appropriately.


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I want to install an aftermarket steering wheel in this car

No Problem, as long as you remember to relocate or keep the horn switch.

HTA 75(5) – No Horn – Motor vehicle - $85.00/$110.00
Highway Traffic Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8


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I want to replace the seats on this car

Replacement seats cannot be marked “not for highway use” and the anchor points must be of adequate strength.

HTA O.Reg 611 Schedule 1 Section 1(1)(j) - Reference Section for HTA 84 – Operate unsafe vehicle – No Set Fine, Maximum $20,000.00 fine.
Highway Traffic Act - R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 611


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I want to replace the seatbelts on this car with a racing harness

Racing harnesses are not DOT approved. Replacement seat belts cannot be marked “not for highway use” and the anchor points must be of adequate strength.

HTA 106(2) – Drive with seat belt assembly removed / inoperative / modified - $85.00/$110.00
Highway Traffic Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8

HTA O.Reg 611 Schedule 1 Section 1(1)(k) & (l) - Reference Section for HTA 84 – Operate unsafe vehicle – No Set Fine, Maximum $20,000.00 fine.
Highway Traffic Act - R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 611


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Rep Power: 0

sick post man, should help alot of us

 
Rep Power: 656

Ya Great Post!! Ive done my fair share of reading through the HTA, but having it all summarized together is awesome!!

 
Rep Power: 657

good to know thanks for the post supra

 
Rep Power: 0

Printable Version (Document) coming soon

 
Rep Power: 657

sweet *** post man i think ive gotten a few of those fines but we dont have emissions up here so no worries on th tone..thx

 
Rep Power: 684

This means nada - why? - cuz what happens if you have stock doors but they are locked from the inside and yer unconcious? = JAWS OF LIFE. What happens if ya got stock doors, they are unlocked, but an impact to the car somewhere somehow buckles the body/door and its unopenable? = JAWS OF LIFE




Hey - isn't this a repost? I've seen this on this site b4 yes/no? I know its orgiginally from another site/forum going back a few yrs.

 
Rep Power: 634

How is having a cold air intake system illegal?

 
Rep Power: 0

maybe you should read the post

 
Rep Power: 634

Never mind i figured it out

 
Rep Power: 641

Thanks man, not sure if it's covered but apparently you can no longer have a blue or pink plastic license plate cover over your plates.. these are the most common colours I see around still.

 
Rep Power: 0

Know your rights people!

Seriously...

 
Rep Power: 615

I'm surprised racing harnesses are illegal. Who new something that makes your car SAFER would be against the law

 
Rep Power: 0

Thats not what it says, it says, "If it does not say DOT approved, then it is illegal, otherwise the mounting points must be of adequate strength"