The three common car modifications that could cost you £5,000 as the DVLA says 'report it'

The DVLA has warned it will issue fines for motorists who fail to report THREE common car modifications. These common car modifications have drivers risking steep fines of up to £5,060 and licence points.

They include some common moves from motorists and drivers, including lowering suspension, adding large spoilers, and tinting windows. The three modifications in question are:

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• Lowering suspension: This modification can make your car look sleek and sporty, but it can also compromise handling and safety. If you lower your car's suspension without informing the DVLA, you could face a £2,500 fine and three penalty points, reports Birmingham Live.

• Adding large spoilers: While spoilers can add a touch of aggression to your car's aesthetics, they can also affect its aerodynamics and stability. Modifying your car with a large spoiler without informing the DVLA can also lead to a £2,500 fine and three penalty points.

• Tinting windows: Tinted windows can provide privacy and reduce glare, but they can also make it difficult for other drivers to see you. If you tint your windows beyond the legal limit without informing the DVLA, you could face a fine of up to £1,000 and three penalty points.

According to Compare the Market, a staggering 67,796 vehicles have suspension modifications, meaning they are at risk if they fail to report the changes.

Julie Daniels from Compare the Market's car insurance team warns: "No matter how minor the modifications are, any alterations to a car can potentially impact the cost of your car insurance. Often it will cost more to insure a modified car because of factors such as: greater possibility of theft, higher risk of speed-related accidents, or simply because your car has increased in value and repairs may now cost more."

Therefore, it is crucial for drivers to be aware of the DVLA regulations regarding car modifications and to report any changes promptly to avoid hefty fines and penalty points.

Tinted windows could land you with a £60 fine, warned Ms Daniels: "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."

It's crucial for the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) to keep accurate records of your car's details for taxation and road safety reasons. Insurance firms and police access DVLA data to obtain information on your vehicle, such as its colour, model, and engine size.

Should you wish to make alterations, you're required to update what's known as a V5C (also referred to as a "log book"), which is the document issued by the DVLA that confirms you as the registered keeper of the vehicle.