Drivers with tinted windows on car served 'prohibition notice' and £70 fine

Drivers could face fines up to £2,500 if they make a common modification to their car. Compare the Market has warned drivers who are altering their vehicles or modifying their cars - because they risk a major fine.

Alloy wheels, typically installed to make wheels look more attractive and to improve durability, rank as the top modification in the UK, with 69,365 alterations recorded. The second most popular modification is suspension changes at 67,796.

Changes to car exhaust systems was third at 53,138. But the car insurance comparison website had a word of warning for any motorists carrying out another popular modification in lowering their suspension - because they could be dicing with a financial penalty.

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Adding large spoilers could land you with the same fine of £2,500 if it's wrong or contravenes Highway Code rules. And if you add tints to your car windows you could face a fine of £60 and three penalty points, the website has also warned.

For tinted windows, the front windscreen of a car must let at least 75 per cent of light through, while the front side windows must let at least 70 per cent in. The DVLA must be informed of such changes, but it's also crucial to alert car insurance providers.

If you're found guilty of breaking the regulations around window tinting, then you could be served a "prohibition" alert which means you can't drive until the tint is changed, according to road experts and motoring chiefs.

Modifications can significantly alter a vehicle's safety profile and its appeal to thieves, potentially impacting insurance premiums. Failure to disclose these changes could result in insurance being void at the time of a claim.

Julie Daniels from the car insurance team at Compare the Market added in a statement alongside the warning: "If you decide to modify your car while you have an existing insurance policy, you need to notify your provider about the change.

"Ideally, you should check with your provider before altering your vehicle, to find out how it might affect your premium, or if there will be any amendment fees involved.”