How to install a roof rack on a car to get it inspected?

Follow manufacturer's instructions and recommendations.

Giao thong Newspaper's hotline received questions from readers about cars with roof racks being considered as modifications. So what are the procedures to follow to make it easier when it comes time for vehicle inspection?

Cars with roof racks installed that want to be accepted as modified vehicles must have confirmation from the car dealer to comply with the manufacturer's instructions as prescribed (illustrative photo).

Regarding this issue, the leader of a vehicle inspection center in Hanoi said that currently, the need to install additional roof racks for cars is favored by many car owners because it increases the space for carrying goods when traveling long distances or adds a sporty, strong look to the car.

However, in many cases, after renovation, the vehicle is inspected and accepted for renovation but is rejected due to not meeting the necessary paperwork requirements.

Specifically, according to the leader of this inspection center, Circular 43/2023 amending and supplementing Circular 85/2014 on motor vehicle modification stipulates: "Installing, replacing or removing the roof rack of a car in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions without changing the overall width of the vehicle" is classified as a case of modified cars but is exempt from preparing a modification design file.

That is, the car with changes is immediately accepted by the modified motor vehicle combined with technical safety and environmental protection inspection, without having to prepare a design file for the modified motor vehicle.

The inspection center's leaders noted that the Circular clearly states that the installation, replacement or removal of car roof racks must comply with the manufacturer's instructions and must not change the width of the vehicle to ensure safety.

Therefore, to facilitate the acceptance of the vehicle after installing the roof rack as asked by a reader of Giao thong Newspaper, the vehicle owner needs to go to the vehicle dealer to request a certificate of additional roof rack installation (in case the roof rack is an equipment that is already included in the design of this vehicle model, it will be stated in the manufacturer's catalog or manual. The dealer will then issue a written confirmation to the vehicle owner based on that).

The vehicle owner brings this certificate to the inspection center along with the vehicle with the roof rack installed to complete the modification file (including the vehicle owner's request for vehicle modification acceptance sent to the inspection center). The inspection center will accept the motor vehicle modification along with performing the inspection to issue a new inspection certificate and inspection sticker suitable for the modified vehicle.

In addition, to avoid the roof rack being installed incompatible with the vehicle and exceeding the width of the vehicle, the leader of another inspection center also recommends that car owners should install a roof rack that is a genuine option (equipment, accessory) from the manufacturer.

Car owners who install roof racks on their own will be fined if they are checked by authorities on the road (illustrative photo).

Is it illegal to install a car roof rack without permission?

Vehicle inspection centers recommend that car owners should not arbitrarily install roof racks on their cars because they may be fined when participating in traffic on the road.

Specifically, Decree No. 100/2019/ND-CP dated December 30, 2019 of the Government (amended and supplemented by Decree No. 123/2021/ND-CP) stipulates a fine of VND 6-8 million for individuals; a fine of VND 12-16 million for organizations that are car owners that arbitrarily modify the structure, shape, and size of the car that is not in accordance with the manufacturer's design or the design in the dossier submitted to the vehicle registration agency or the modified design approved by the competent authority.

At the same time, apply additional penalties of revoking the right to use the certificate of technical safety and environmental protection inspection and the vehicle inspection stamp from 1-3 months.

In addition, when installing a car roof rack to carry things, it is also important to note that the luggage or goods carried must not exceed the outer dimensions of the car (ie not exceed the length and width of the car). If violated, the fine will be from 800 thousand to 1 million VND.

Source: https://www.baogiaothong.vn/o-to-con-lap-gia-noc-the-nao-de-duoc-dang-kiem-192240711103254809.htm