While some people are busy sprucing up their homes for the Chinese New Year, car-lovers may be thinking of doing the same to their vehicles too. If you’re thinking of modifying your car, do remember that the changes must meet the requirements of the Land Transport Authority (LTA).

The list we will go through over the next few weeks is not exhaustive. For further advice and clarification on specific vehicle modification, write in to the Vehicle Engineering Department of LTA or contact the department at 1800-CALL LTA (1800-2255 582).

• The bumper must be of a design approved by the vehicle manufacturer.



• Installation must be carried out in accordance with the vehicle manufacturer's recommendations.



• The bumper must not have any sharp corners or edges.

• The fog lamps should bear approved markings to show that they have met international recognised standards such as those adopted in the countries of the European Union, Japan and the United States.



• The front fog lamps must cast a white or yellow light. They must be installed based on specific measurements.



• The rear fog lamp must cast a red light and can be a single unit or a pair.



• There should be separate switches for switching the headlamps and fog lights.

(TV, VCD/DVD systems, LCD screens for entertainment, etc.)

The visual display unit of the in-vehicle entertainment system should be installed so that it is not within view of the driver. If it is in the driver’s view, it must have a function to automatically disable or switch off the visual display when the vehicle is in motion.

The system must not interfere with existing vehicle controls or instrumentation in any way. The electrical system must be adequately protected against fire hazards.

(LCD screens for information, navigation systems and Global Positioning System, etc)

The in-vehicle information and communication systems should be designed such that they will not adversely affect the safe operation of the vehicle. They should not unduly distract the driver nor lead to potentially dangerous driving.

For example, text information should be large enough to allow the driver to read what is on the screen at a glance. The information should be brief and concise so that the driver can assimilate it speedily without affecting his operation of the vehicle.

The system should also incorporate a voice guidance feature to minimise interaction with the visual display unit. It must not interfere with existing vehicle controls or instrumentation in any way. Electrical systems must be adequately protected against fire hazards.

(Note: All installations must be carried out by qualified personnel in accordance with the product manufacturer's recommendations.)