Motorists are being warned that they could be hit with a massive £1,000 fine due to an admin error with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency.
Thousands of motorists could be at risk of being hit with a fine if they have made a modification to their vehicle and not told the DVLA.
Research conducted with 2,000 drivers found that one in 25 people have made a modification to their vehicle that should have been reported to Government agency.
However, only 62 per cent have done so, potentially meaning that thousands of drivers could be risking fines.
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The DVLA must be informed about any large changes to a vehicle
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The DVLA requires up-to-date records of all cars for tax and road safety purposes and drivers have to update the details in the V5C log book.
Any modifications could be for the appearance of the vehicle or even the performance, such as upgrading the engine or wrapping the car with a custom colour.
It also includes drivers changing the colour, engine, cylinder capacity, fuel type, chassis or bodyshell, the number of seats and the weight of a large vehicle like a campervan.
Owners should send the updated logbook to the DVLA with any necessary evidence involved in the changes like a receipt from the garage.
John Woosey, founder of Ripe Insurance, said: “For many people, personalising their car with custom modifications is a harmless passion.
“And the good news is the majority of mods are completely safe and legal.
“However, amidst the excitement of making upgrades, you must not forget about the necessary admin that goes along with it.”
Failure to comply with DVLA rules could see motorists hit with a hefty fine of up to £1,000.
Improving the vehicle can also make the vehicle more expensive to insure, so drivers are also advised to inform their coverage providers about any changes or they could invalidate their insurance.
John Woosey added: “Our research suggests that there are thousands of drivers on the road right now who are at risk of serious fines because of this relatively minor oversight.
“So, we would urge all modified car owners to double check their paperwork and complete the relevant forms to avoid a potentially significant financial blow.”
Drivers must also ensure that any modifications they make to their vehicle fall within the law and do not break any rules.
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Drivers may need to tell the DVLA about wrapping their car
PA
Changes to their vehicle that could be considered illegal include fully tinted windows, loud exhausts and even neon headlights.
This can lead to similar fines, as well as motorists being hit with penalty points on their driving licence.