Vehicle Performance & Modifications Mandate

Victor Chase · Thu Mar 21, 2024 7:59 pm

Vehicle Performance & Modifications Mandate of 2024

LOS SANTOS GOVERNMENT
MAYOR VICTOR CHASE

IN EFFECT FROM 20TH FEB 2024
Updated on: 14th Of November, 2024 By Interim Mayor Emma Nilsen

CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION
The Vehicle Modifications Mandate—hereinafter referred to as "The Mandate" or simply "Mandate"—is an official Government Law governing vehicle modifications for both aesthetic and performance purposes across the City, State, County, and Providence. This comprehensive set of regulations is designed to ensure that all vehicle modifications are made in accordance with public safety standards, environmental protection laws, and community well-being. The Mandate applies universally to all individuals, vehicle owners, and modification professionals within the jurisdiction, establishing guidelines for acceptable modifications and the associated requirements for compliance.

1.0 Overview of The Mandate
The Mandate governs all aesthetic and performance-related modifications to vehicles, specifically addressing areas that impact safety, environmental compliance, public order, and the integrity of road use. The goal of the Mandate is to strike a balance between allowing individuals to express personal vehicle customization and preserving the safety, health, and quality of life for all residents of the City, State, and County.

1.1 Offices and Authorities Involved
The Mandate has been developed, revised, and formally endorsed through the collaboration of key government offices dedicated to maintaining public safety, law, and order. The following offices, along with their respective officials, have been tasked with enforcing this law:

Office of The Mayor: Overseeing the implementation of the Mandate, ensuring alignment with citywide public safety goals, and providing leadership in the enforcement process.

Office of The Chief of Police: Responsible for the enforcement of traffic safety laws, including vehicle inspections, monitoring compliance with the Mandate, and taking action against violations.

Office of The Chief of Fire: Collaborating on safety standards regarding fire hazards, especially with respect to performance modifications that could pose fire risks or other safety concerns.

Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV): Administering vehicle registration, ensuring all modifications are legally documented, and conducting inspections to confirm compliance with safety and emissions standards.

Office of The County Commissioner: Ensuring that the Mandate is implemented consistently across county jurisdictions, liaising with local law enforcement and municipalities for unified enforcement.

Office of The Sheriff: Assisting in enforcement in rural or less urbanized areas and coordinating with local police departments for broader jurisdictional enforcement.

Department of Health: Addressing the public health impact of vehicle modifications, including noise pollution, air quality control, and hazardous emissions standards.

These offices, and their designated representatives, are empowered and sanctioned to enforce the Mandate to the fullest extent permissible under the law. The Mayor retains the discretion to adjust the scope of enforcement as needed to align with changing safety, health, and community priorities.

These offices and their representing officials are hereby sanctioned; or commended to; or at the pleasure of The Mayor - are required to enforce the aforementioned and undermentioned to the fullest degree within the scopes of the law.

We take pride in protecting the civilians of the city and county alike. In a mission to restrict the reckless power and endangerment of the good people that reside in this State.

1.2 Mission Statement
The overarching mission of the Vehicle Modifications Mandate is to protect the citizens of the City, State, County, and Providence, ensuring that vehicle modifications do not endanger the public, compromise environmental health, or undermine road safety. The Mandate seeks to restrict irresponsible, reckless, or dangerous modifications that could potentially increase the risk of harm to vehicle occupants, pedestrians, or other road users.
In particular, the Mandate seeks to curtail modifications that:

Excessively alter vehicle performance, creating dangerous power imbalances or unsafe handling characteristics.

Exceed permissible safety standards, leading to weakened structural integrity or failure of critical vehicle systems in the event of an accident.

Increase pollution levels, contributing to health hazards from excessive emissions, noise, or particulate matter.

Disturb public peace, through modifications that create unsafe or disruptive noise levels, light pollution, or flashing lights that mimic emergency vehicles.

By enacting and enforcing these regulations, the government is committed to upholding the safety, health, and well-being of its residents, as well as ensuring that all vehicles on the road comply with environmental standards and contribute to the community’s quality of life.

1.3 Enforcement and Public Safety Commitment
We take immense pride in our responsibility to protect the citizens of this city and county. The enforcement of the Mandate is not simply a matter of legal obligation, but a moral duty to ensure that all vehicle modifications are made responsibly and safely. The goal is to restrict reckless power and endangerment through vehicle modifications that can jeopardise public safety.
As part of this commitment, the enforcement of the Mandate is not limited to penalizing offenders but extends to educating the public about the importance of following safe and responsible modification practices. Through collaboration with vehicle owners, industry professionals, and the community at large, we seek to foster a culture of responsibility around vehicle modifications that enhances both personal expression and public safety.

1.4 Community and Environmental Responsibility
The Mandate not only focuses on the safety of individuals but also takes into account the collective responsibility of vehicle owners to preserve the environment and promote sustainable practices. We are committed to ensuring that any vehicle modifications do not contribute disproportionately to air pollution, noise pollution, or other forms of environmental degradation. By enforcing this Mandate, the City, State, and County aim to create a more sustainable, health-conscious, and safety-oriented community for all.

CHAPTER TWO: AESTHETIC MODIFICATIONS
Below are a contrasted list of aesthetic modifications that will not be permitted for legal road-use.

Window Tinting
Side Windows:

Rear and back side windows: Vehicle owners are allowed to tint the rear and rear side windows to any level of darkness, with no restrictions on the percentage of light transmission.

Front side windows: Tinting on the front side windows (driver and passenger side) must allow a minimum of 70% of light to pass through. This ensures adequate visibility and safety for the driver, especially at night or in low-visibility conditions.

Windshield:

Windshields must remain clear, with no tinting allowed beyond the manufacturer's specifications. Any additional tinting applied to the windshield is prohibited unless it is specified via roleplay. If the vehicle’s windscreen has been tinted or altered, this must be documented with a /checkveh note that supports the claim of any aftermarket tint.

Manufacturer’s tint: Windshields will be assumed to have only factory-supplied tint unless otherwise indicated.

Lights
SEC 1.1 - Spotlights:
Spotlights: Vehicles may have up to two spotlights, but these must be white lamps. Spotlights must be aimed to illuminate no further than 300 feet from the vehicle, to ensure they do not create a hazard or impair visibility for other drivers.
Fog lights: Vehicles may have no more than two fog lights, which must be installed in accordance with safety standards and not interfere with the vehicle's normal lighting functions.

SEC 1.2 - Flashing Lights:
Flashing lights: The use of flashing lights (e.g., red, blue, orange, or yellow) is restricted to governmental vehicles only. Private citizens are not permitted to install flashing lights of any color on their personal vehicles, as these are reserved for emergency or official use only.

SEC 1.3 - Headlights:
Headlight modifications: Vehicles may not alter the color of their headlights beyond the factory-installed specifications. All headlights must be factory-fitted unless using Ballast Conversion kits.
Ballast Conversion Pack: This modification converts traditional headlights to LED lamps, which may slightly alter the color temperature to a cooler white or slightly bluish tint. This is permissible, but all headlights must remain functional and not compromise visibility or road safety.
No other color alterations are permitted, and any unauthorized alterations to headlight brightness, color, or technology (e.g., HID or xenon lights without proper conversion kits) will result in non-compliance.

Engine and Emissions
SEC 2.1 - Engine Certification and Emissions Compliance:

Engine Certification: All vehicle engines must be certified for legal road use by the appropriate regulatory bodies. No engine swaps or modifications are allowed unless the engine is certified for use in that vehicle or a newer model from the same manufacturer.

Emission Control Systems: Only factory-installed or approved emission control systems may be used. These systems must be matched to the specific make and model of the vehicle or be from a newer model with an upgraded emissions standard.

Smog Checks: All vehicles must pass regular smog checks as per state regulations to ensure compliance with environmental standards. Failure to pass smog checks will result in ineligibility for road use.

Sound Systems
SEC 3.1 - Noise Regulations:

Sound Systems: Vehicle sound systems must be audible no more than 50 feet from the vehicle when driving on a highway or public road. Excessive sound pollution is prohibited to prevent disturbance to the surrounding community and ensure safe driving conditions.

SEC 3.2 - Siren Replicating Systems:

No Siren Sounds: Vehicles may not be equipped with any sound system designed to replicate or mimic the sound of a siren (e.g., police, emergency vehicle sirens, or any other siren-like sound). Such systems are considered to be disruptive and are reserved for emergency vehicles only.

SEC 3.3 - Catalytic Systems and Exhaust Modifications:

Catalytic Converter Modifications: The vehicle’s catalytic converter cannot be modified or replaced with non-compliant components. Any modifications to the exhaust system that alter the factory-fitted sound or emissions control systems are prohibited.

Sound Pollution: Altering the exhaust to increase the noise level, or bypassing emissions controls (e.g., straight piping or removal of catalytic converters), is illegal. Vehicles must maintain factory standards for sound levels and carbon emissions.

Frame and Suspension Modifications

Lift Kits:

Vehicles may be lifted a maximum of 5 inches from the factory height. This is to ensure that lifted vehicles maintain road safety, stability, and handling characteristics appropriate for legal road use.
Lowering Kits:

Vehicles may be lowered to a minimum of 1.5 inches of clearance above the top of the tire. This ensures the vehicle does not scrape on the road, which could cause safety hazards or interfere with the vehicle's suspension and handling performance.

Any modification that results in insufficient clearance or affects the vehicle’s ability to safely navigate standard road conditions will be considered non-compliant.

CHAPTER THREE: PERFORMANCE MODIFICATIONS
Below are a contrasted list of aesthetic modifications that will not be permitted for legal road-use. If something isn't specifically listed here it can be listed in the penal code or a Law Enforcing Personnel's interpretation. It is advised to use common sense and stay within the confinements of what is considered as "reasonably acceptable".

SEC1.1 Power Output Threshold
Vehicles that exceed 1000 horsepower after modifications are marked as illegal, as the limit is 1000hp for any NON-Original vehicle with the amount of Horsepower.
This applies to vehicles whose engine or performance parts are modified to produce more than 1000 horsepower at the crankshaft or wheels.

SEC1.2 Factory-Produced 1000+ Horsepower Vehicles
Vehicles originally manufactured to produce over 1000 horsepower (e.g., factory-spec 1000+ HP cars) are exempt from modification restrictions.
However, the engine's factory specifications cannot be altered in any way.

Modification Guidelines for 1000+ HP Vehicles

SEC1.3 Engine Specifications

The engine must remain within original specifications as set by the manufacturer. This includes:
Stock internals (e.g., pistons, rods, crankshaft, camshaft).

No components should be added that would push the engine's output beyond what it was originally designed for.
Performance Enhancements

No additional performance modifications allowed if they increase engine power. These would make the vehicle illegal under this regulation.
Safety, Handling, and Performance Limitations

Speed Limitations
No speed limits are imposed by this regulation.

Required Modifications for Safety

Vehicles with more than 1000 horsepower must be equipped with enhanced safety and performance systems to handle the increased power.

These include:

Suspension upgrades for better handling.

Braking systems capable of stopping the increased power.

Tires suited for high-speed control.

Roll cages and other safety features for driver protection.

Control and Stability

Vehicles must prove they can safely handle the power, especially in terms of acceleration and braking, under different conditions.

CHAPTER FOUR: STRUCTURIAL WORK/MODIFICATIONS

Regulation on Structural Modifications and DMV-Approved Mechanics

SEC1.1 Unauthorized Structural Work

Vehicles that undergo structural modifications or repairs by a mechanic not on the DMV Approved List are subject to regulatory scrutiny. Structural work affecting the integrity or safety of the vehicle must be performed by a DMV-certified or authorized professional to ensure compliance with safety standards.

SEC1.2 Structural work includes:

Frame alterations (e.g., welding or cutting the chassis/frame)

Body reinforcement or restoration (e.g., adding aftermarket body kits)

Suspension or drivetrain modifications affecting structural integrity

Chassis straightening or repairs after accidents

Welding, cutting, or fabricating structural parts like roll cages or bracing

SEC1.3 Importance of Approved Mechanic for Structural Work
Safety & Integrity: Unauthorized structural work can compromise a vehicle’s safety, crashworthiness, and integrity, leading to:

Reduced safety rating during state inspections

Weakened structural components that could fail during a collision

Non-compliance with federal/state safety standards, rendering the vehicle unfit for road use

SEC1.4 DMV-Approved Mechanic Criteria
Approval Process: Mechanics or shops must go through a certification and approval process to be on the DMV’s Approved List, ensuring they:

Follow industry-standard safety practices

Have the skills and equipment to perform structural work without compromising safety

Use materials that meet safety standards

Are regularly inspected to ensure ongoing compliance with safety, environmental, and regulatory standards

SEC1.5 Consequences of Unauthorized Structural Work
Legal & Safety Penalties:

Vehicles with unauthorized structural work may be deemed unsafe or illegal to drive.

The vehicle may fail safety inspections, preventing registration renewal until work is corrected.

Owners may be fined or required to redo the work, and severe cases may lead to the vehicle being reclassified as unroadworthy.

Insurance Implications:

Insurance providers may refuse coverage or charge higher premiums for vehicles with unapproved structural work.

Increased Risk of Injury:

Unauthorized work increases the risk of structural failure during crashes, putting vehicle occupants and others on the road at risk.

SEC1.6 Ensuring Compliance

Verify Mechanic Credentials:

Always verify that the mechanic or shop is DMV-certified. This can be done via the DMV website or by contacting local DMV offices.

Post-Repair Inspections:

After structural work, take the vehicle to a certified inspection station or DMV office to verify that the work meets safety standards.

Documentation & Records:

Keep all receipts, records, and proof that the work was done by a DMV-approved mechanic. This may be needed for inspections, registration renewals, or insurance claims.

CHAPTER FIVE: EMISSIONS MODIFICATIONS

SEC1.1 Regulation on Emissions and Modifications Impacting Carbon Output

Excessive Carbon Emissions Due to Modifications

Vehicles that undergo significant modifications resulting in carbon emissions that greatly exceed the manufacturer's original specifications will be subject to regulatory scrutiny. Modifications increasing emissions beyond factory-set standards will be evaluated for their environmental impact and potential tax penalties.

Example:

A vehicle that originally produces 3% carbon emissions by volume as per factory specs, but after modifications (e.g., engine, exhaust, forced induction), now produces 22% emissions, would be considered to have non-compliant emissions.

SEC1.2 Emission Tax Implications
Emissions-based tax brackets are established by federal and state authorities to encourage environmentally responsible vehicle ownership. Vehicles exceeding certain emissions thresholds may face:

Higher annual fees

Increased registration costs

Potential prohibitive taxes that could make continued ownership financially unfeasible.

Example:
If emissions increase drastically (e.g., from 3% to 22%), the vehicle may fall into a higher emissions tax bracket, resulting in higher costs for the owner.

SEC1.3 Excessive Emissions as Defined by Regulatory Standards
Vehicles whose emissions exceed factory test levels by a significant margin (e.g., from 3% to 22%) are considered non-compliant.
EPA and state regulatory bodies enforce emissions standards. Vehicles with emissions beyond allowable limits will fail emissions testing.
Local jurisdictions may also impose environmental taxes or charges based on a vehicle’s carbon footprint.
SEC1.4 Regulatory Enforcement and Penalties
Emissions Testing

After modifications, vehicles are required to undergo emissions testing during registration renewals or vehicle inspections. If emissions exceed factory-certified levels by a significant threshold, the vehicle may fail inspection.

Modification Review Severe modifications, such as:
Altering the engine’s combustion ratio, Removing catalytic converters, Installing non-compliant exhaust systems
will be closely monitored. If these modifications lead to excessive emissions (e.g., from 3% to 22%), the owner may be forced to:

Return the vehicle to its original state, or
Install legal, emissions-compliant components.

SEC1.5 Penalties for Non-Compliance
Vehicles producing excessive emissions may face:

Heavy fines

Increased registration fees

Impoundment if they fail emissions standards.

Owners may also be restricted from driving in certain areas like clean air zones or low-emission zones.

SEC1.6 Impact on Vehicle Value and Marketability

Modifying a vehicle to exceed emissions standards can diminish its resale value.

Buyers may avoid purchasing vehicles with excessive emissions because they may not be roadworthy or could incur high taxes and fees.

Vehicles that fail emissions tests after modifications may be excluded from certain markets or require costly adjustments to bring them back into compliance.

CHAPTER SIX: NON-STAMPED OR COUNTERFEIT PARTS

Regulation on Unauthorized and Non-Compliant Vehicle Modifications
Illegal Modifications & Non-Compliant Parts

Vehicles with unauthorized modifications, including illegal upgrades or unapproved parts, face penalties and removal requirements. These include:

Illegal Upgrades: Any modifications using parts that don’t meet state laws or aren’t approved by regulatory bodies like the DMV or Quality Control authorities.

Non-Compliant Components: These are parts that lack certification, aren’t recognized by governing agencies, or fail to meet required safety/quality standards.

Examples include:

Non-stamped/Counterfeit Parts: Parts that don’t have certification stamps, part numbers, or proper identification.

Substandard Aftermarket Parts: Components made from inferior materials that don't meet road safety standards.

Unapproved Performance Parts: Parts like turbochargers or exhausts not approved for street use.

Examples of Non-Compliant Modifications
SEC1.1 Suspension Components

Cheaper shocks, springs, or coilovers made from non-certified or low-quality materials.
Modifications that affect vehicle handling or structural integrity.

SEC1.2 Braking Systems

Non-certified brake pads, rotors, or lines that don’t meet safety standards.

SEC1.3 Engine Components

Aftermarket parts like turbochargers or intakes that fail to meet environmental or safety regulations.
Modifications that affect the emissions system.

SEC1.4 Electrical & Safety Components

Unauthorized changes to wiring, lighting, or safety features like airbags or seatbelts that don’t meet quality standards.

Regulatory and Legal Consequences

SEC2.1 Inspection & Enforcement

Vehicles with non-compliant parts are subject to inspection by local authorities, including the DMV and law enforcement. Fines, forced repairs, and even impoundment may result.

SEC2.2 Modification Removal

Owners must remove illegal modifications and replace them with certified, road-legal parts. Failure to comply can lead to legal action and additional penalties.

SEC2.3 Liability & Safety Risks

Unauthorized modifications can compromise vehicle safety, making it more dangerous for both the driver and other road users.

Enforcement of Vehicle Standards

Part Certification

Ensure all components used for vehicle upgrades are certified and stamped with the necessary regulatory identifiers. Only certified parts should be used for modifications.

Legal & Safety Compliance

All vehicle modifications must comply with state and federal laws regarding safety, emissions, and environmental standards. Non-compliance can lead to vehicle registration revocation and legal consequences.

The Vehicle Parking Mandate is in full compliance with the laws and regulations of Los Santos and is mandatory for all individuals within city limits. This ordinance outlines specific parking rules to ensure safety, accessibility, and order within the community. All residents, visitors, and businesses must adhere to these regulations to avoid penalties, fines, and potential towing. Enforcement of the mandate is conducted by the Los Santos Traffic Services (LSTS) Department, with full legal backing under Los Santos law. Non-compliance will result in civil infractions, and all individuals are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the rules to ensure a smooth and lawful experience while in the city.

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