In her first day as Interim Mayor, Emma Nilsen has worked to take solid action, quickly.
The Los Santos Government announced the New Vehicle Mandate for 2024 on the 14th November. This document includes information on vehicle modifications, limits and restrictions.
We did not expect to see such progress made within the first day, however it’s great to see that Mayor Nilsen is taking action on the concerns in and around Los Santos.
The Vehicle Mandate
The full vehicle mandate can be viewed here.
However, we have included the key points below, so that the public know what is legal, and simply, what isn’t.
Purpose & Scope
The key objectives of the Vehicle Mandate are to;
- Allow vehicle customization while ensuring safety for all road users.
- Ensure that modifications do not contribute to excessive pollution or unsafe driving conditions.
- Prevent modifications that disturb the peace (e.g., excessive noise or disruptive lights).
The mandate is also applicable to all vehicle owners, modification professionals, and individuals who make changes to vehicles in any way, whether for appearance or performance.
Mission Statement
The Vehicle Modifications Mandate aims to protect public safety, environmental health, and road safety by regulating potentially dangerous modifications. This includes:
- Unsafe Performance Modifications: Modifications that impair a vehicle’s handling or create dangerous power imbalances.
- Excessive Pollution: Modifications that increase emissions, noise, or particulate matter.
- Public Disruption: Modifications that cause unsafe noise levels, disturb peace, or mimic emergency vehicles with flashing lights.
The aim is to balance vehicle customization with safety.
Regulation on Unauthorized and Non-Compliant Vehicle Modifications
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.
The examples of these unauthorized and non-compliant modifications 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
- Suspension Components
- Cheaper shocks, springs, or coilovers made from non-certified or low-quality materials.
- Modifications that affect vehicle handling or structural integrity.
- Non-certified brake pads, rotors, or lines that don’t meet safety standards.
- Aftermarket parts like turbochargers or intakes that fail to meet environmental or safety regulations.
- Modifications that affect the emissions system.
- Unauthorized changes to wiring, lighting, or safety features like airbags or seatbelts that don’t meet quality standards.
- 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.
- Owners must remove illegal modifications and replace them with certified, road-legal parts. Failure to comply can lead to legal action and additional penalties.
- Unauthorized modifications can compromise vehicle safety, making it more dangerous for both the driver and other road users.
To confirm, all vehicle parts must be certified and stamped with the needed regulatory identifiers. Only certified parts should be used for modifications.
In Summary:
Make sure all vehicle modifications are legal, safe, and properly certified. Unauthorized parts and modifications not only put your vehicle at risk but can also lead to legal penalties. Always check that parts are approved and meet safety standards to avoid fines and keep your vehicle roadworthy.
High Performance Vehicle Regulations
The power output threshold has been increased in the new vehicle mandate. Before, the limit was 800 horsepower. However, in the improved mandate, the limit is now 1000 horsepower at the crankshaft or wheels.
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.
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.
Conclusion
Along with other changes, the main change is the increased limit of horsepower. You can read the full mandate here.
This is a positive sign in the appointment of Interim Mayor Emma Nilsen. We hope to see further changes.