Tuning is already an old practice, which consists of making changes to the vehicle. Since 2016, the rules have been tightened to avoid excessive overflows.
Today, exterior adaptations are rare and are generally very limited. They are primarily aimed at the rims and the lowering of the body.
In turn, the main effects of mechanical preparation are acceleration, braking or adaptation of noisier exhaust systems. However, significant changes must be avoided (engine, braking, chassis, etc.), which must have approval from the Regional Department for the Environment, Planning and Housing (DREAL, ex-DRIRE); this will indicate on the registration certificate the conversions carried out.
Illustration of what is no longer allowed since the last regulation in 2016. The changes allowed affect the actual price of the vehicle. Your insurer should therefore be informed. MMA illustration
Notify your insurance company
By modifying your vehicle, sometimes significantly, you create a new risk, especially if you change the power of your engine.
If you fail to inform your insurance company, you risk a reduction of your compensation in the event of an accident, or even termination of your insurance contract due to “deliberate misrepresentation”.
Once notified, your insurer will be able to amend the contract, especially for the risk of theft due to fitting expensive accessories or for the risk of accident. As a reminder, the insurance company must be notified with regard to Article L113-2 of the Insurance Act.
Adaptation today goes a lot through the rims and the change of the body height with modified suspensions. Photo Adobe Stock
What is prohibited in personalization
Since 2016, tinted films on the windshields and windshield are prohibited, as are neon lights and the installation of spoilers, fins or fender extensions. Another limitation: the exhaust must comply with anti-pollution standards, and the original tires cannot be replaced by larger tires.
Finally, sound systems that increase the permissible weight of the vehicle are prohibited. Not affected: the modification of the rims (if they respect the dimensions approved by the manufacturer), the installation of a sports exhaust (if approved) and a new front bumper if included in the manufacturer’s instructions.