【OK/NG】Is a motorcycle backrest illegal? A three-tier seat is legal if it passes a structural modification inspection.

Motorcycle backrests are not illegal if they pass the structural modification inspection.

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Motorcycle backrests (sissy bars) are not illegal as long as they comply with safety standards, but they can be illegal depending on their height or installation method.

When installing a backrest, it must be installed within the range stipulated by safety standards and the Road Transport Vehicle Act. If it exceeds this range, a structural modification notification must be submitted and approved.

What is a structural modification?

A structural modification is an application submitted when the dimensions or structure of a motorcycle are changed from the time of registration due to customization, etc. Without such an application, the motorcycle will be subject to enforcement for violating safety standards, etc.

If you do not perform a structural modification, not only will you be subject to enforcement, but your motorcycle will also fail its vehicle inspection. Therefore, if your motorcycle requires a vehicle inspection, complete the procedure as soon as possible.

Structural modifications are required for motorcycles over 250cc that require a vehicle inspection. For motorcycles under 250cc, the procedure is called a "modification application," and if there are any changes, you will be subject to enforcement if you do not submit a modification application.

Cases where structural modification (modification application) is required

If the dimensions or structure of your motorcycle are changed as follows due to customization, etc., a structural modification (or modification application for motorcycles under 250cc) is required:

• When the length of the vehicle body changes by 3 cm or more.
• When the width of the vehicle body changes by 2 cm or more.
• When the height of the vehicle body changes by 4 cm or more.
• When the weight changes by 50 kg or more.
• When the strength changes due to frame cutting, etc.

If any of these changes occur, you must complete the structural modification (or modification application) procedure within 15 days from the date of the change and pass the inspection.

For motorcycles that require a vehicle inspection, the expiration date of the vehicle inspection will be two years from the date the structural modification procedure is completed and approved. Please note that any remaining days on the vehicle inspection at the time of approval will be nullified.

Structural modification procedure

The structural modification procedure is carried out at the Land Transport Bureau or Automobile Inspection and Registration Office that has jurisdiction over your address, by bringing your motorcycle for the procedure.

The following documents are required for the structural modification application, so please bring them along with your motorcycle on the day of the procedure:

• Automobile inspection certificate
• Automobile inspection slip
• Application form (Form No. 2: downloadable)
• Automobile weight tax payment certificate
• Tax payment certificate
• Maintenance record book
• Compulsory Automobile Liability Insurance certificate
• Power of attorney from user and owner (if a representative is performing the procedure)
• Structural modification application form
• Fee payment form

Fees and procedure flow

The fees required for structural modification of a motorcycle are 1,600 yen for an automobile inspection stamp and 500 yen for an automobile inspection stamp, totaling 2,100 yen.

Bring the necessary documents and fees to the counter of the Land Transport Bureau to apply for a structural modification. Once the screening is complete, you will receive an automobile inspection stamp.

Once you receive the automobile inspection stamp, an inspection of the motorcycle will be conducted. Book an inspection appointment through the Land Transport Bureau's website or by phone, bring your motorcycle on the inspection day, undergo the same inspection as for a vehicle inspection, and upon passing, you will receive a new vehicle inspection certificate and inspection sticker (vehicle inspection seal). This completes the process.

Contact your insurance company after structural modification.

After completing the structural modification procedure for your motorcycle, do not forget to contact your insurance company to inform them of the structural modification.

If you have made a structural modification due to customization, you have a duty to notify your insurance company. If you fail to do so, it may be difficult to receive insurance payments in the event of an accident.

Insurance premiums are determined according to risk, so the premium may change, but always contact your insurance company if you make a structural modification.

【OK/NG】Types of motorcycle customizations that are often illegal

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Generally, customizing a motorcycle within the scope defined by the Road Transport Vehicle Act does not require an application and is not a violation. However, there are cases where it can be illegal even if the dimensions or structure have not changed.

To avoid illegal customization, we will introduce examples of customizations that are in violation, so please refer to them when customizing your motorcycle.

Illegal exhaust customization

There are regulations on muffler exhaust noise, and under the current regulations, which have been in effect since 2010, the permissible noise level varies depending on the motorcycle's engine displacement.

For Class 1 mopeds (up to 50cc), the close-range noise is 84dB and acceleration noise is 79dB. For Class 2 mopeds (50-125cc), close-range noise is 90dB and acceleration noise is 79dB.

For light two-wheeled motor vehicles (125-250cc), the close-range noise is 94dB and acceleration noise is 82dB. For small two-wheeled motor vehicles (over 250cc), the close-range noise is 94dB and acceleration noise is 82dB.

If the exhaust noise exceeds these values, it is illegal. However, the noise standards vary depending on the model year of the motorcycle, and the standards are as follows:

Exhaust noise levels vary depending on the motorcycle's model year.

Currently, regulated noise levels vary depending on engine displacement, but the regulations in force at the time of manufacture apply based on the motorcycle's model year.

For example, old motorcycles manufactured before 1985 are exempt from current noise regulations because there were no noise regulations at the time.

Furthermore, motorcycles manufactured after 2016 require a certification mark on the muffler as proof of compliance with noise regulations, making it impossible to clear regulations by attaching silencers such as baffles.

Illegal customization of license plates

Due to a legal revision in 2016, what was previously only stipulated as mounting a license plate in an easily visible position is now subject to detailed regulations.

After 2016, in addition to mounting the license plate in an easily visible position, covering it, rotating it, or bending it are all illegal.

Also, if the license plate is viewed from the side, and it is outside the range of 40 degrees upward to 15 degrees downward, or if it is angled when viewed from above, it is illegal.

Illegal customization of lighting equipment

Lighting equipment also has detailed standards, and constant headlight illumination is mandatory. Therefore, if the headlight is not lit due to a burnt-out bulb, it is illegal and subject to enforcement.

Furthermore, there are standards for the color and flashing frequency of turn signals. Only "orange" is permitted for color; colors other than orange, such as white or red, are illegal.

The flashing frequency is 60 to 120 times per minute. If the frequency is too high or too low, it is also illegal and subject to enforcement.

Illegal handle customization

There are also regulations for handlebars. When replacing them, the height must be within ±4 cm of the normal state (as stated on the inspection certificate).

Furthermore, there are detailed regulations for width. The permissible range after replacement is ±2 cm, and the width is measured from the tip of the clutch lever to the tip of the brake lever.

If these regulated values are not met after replacement, the motorcycle will not pass inspection. Therefore, you must submit a structural modification notification or replace the handlebars with standard ones before the inspection.

When the rear seat is converted to a single seat

If the rear seat is converted to a single seat by covering it, etc., a structural modification notification is required.

A two-seater motorcycle is registered with a capacity of two people at the initial registration, and converting it to a single seat violates the capacity requirements.

For two people to ride, three items are required: a seat that can be ridden, tandem steps, and a tandem belt (grab bar). If any of these are removed, two people cannot ride, so a change in capacity procedure is required.

Penalties for illegal modifications

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If you perform customization beyond what is legal, you may be subject to enforcement for illegal modification or your vehicle may fail inspection.

If you are caught by a police officer for illegal modification, you may face the following penalties, so be careful when customizing your motorcycle.

Penalties for illegal modification

The penalty for illegal modification (poor maintenance) is 2 violation points and a fine of 6,000 yen for mopeds and 7,000 yen for other motorcycles.

In case of muffler defect (e.g., exceeding noise regulations), there are 2 violation points, and the fine is 5,000 yen for mopeds and 6,000 yen for other motorcycles.

June is designated as the "Month for Intensified Enforcement against Illegal Muffler Modifications," during which police crackdowns on muffler modifications are strengthened. Therefore, if you have a muffler that does not meet noise standards, it is necessary to take measures such as replacing it with a compliant muffler.

Penalties for the person who carried out the modification

Shops and other businesses that perform illegal modifications through customization can also be punished with imprisonment for up to 6 months or a fine of up to 300,000 yen.

Illegal modifications that do not meet safety standards are considered a crime and are subject to severe penalties under criminal law.

While criminal penalties are determined by a criminal trial, such penalties would include imprisonment or fines, in addition to a criminal record.

If the order is not followed

Motorcycles that are caught for illegal modification are subject to use restrictions, and a maintenance order sticker is affixed, preventing the motorcycle from being ridden.

If a maintenance order sticker is affixed, you must perform maintenance within 15 days and undergo an inspection at a transport branch office or automobile inspection and registration office to obtain proof of compliance.

If you fail to get your illegally modified motorcycle inspected, you will be fined up to 500,000 yen. Furthermore, if you peel off the sticker or ignore the usage restrictions and continue to ride the motorcycle, you will be subject to imprisonment for up to 6 months or a fine of up to 300,000 yen.

FAQ on whether motorcycle backrests are illegal

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Here are some frequently asked questions and answers regarding motorcycle backrests.

If you are planning to install a backrest on your motorcycle, or if you already have one installed and are concerned about its legality, please refer to this information.

Are there any tips for installation to avoid illegality?

A backrest (sissy bar) must be installed without wobbling, so to install it correctly, it needs to be securely attached to the vehicle with a sturdy fastening method to prevent it from loosening due to vibrations.

Also, when installing, make sure to check that the structure of the vehicle body is not compromised.

Forcing the installation in a way that puts strain on the structure can lead to accidents, such as the backrest coming off while riding. Therefore, ensure a sturdy fastening method that prevents loosening from vibrations during riding and check that the installation method does not stress the structure.

What are the penalties if it becomes illegal?

If a backrest installation is found to be in violation, it may be deemed a poorly maintained vehicle or a violation of safety standards, resulting in 2 violation points and a fine of 6,000 yen for mopeds or 7,000 yen for other motorcycles.

If caught for illegal modification, you will face more severe penalties, including a maintenance order sticker being affixed, which will prevent you from riding your motorcycle.

If you remove the sticker or continue to ride the motorcycle despite the order, you could face imprisonment for up to 6 years or a fine of up to 300,000 yen. Therefore, if you have an illegal modification, promptly rectify the cause and undergo an inspection at a Land Transport Bureau or similar agency.

What are the points to avoid illegality?

Choose a legal backrest based on the following points:

• Do not exceed the height of the handlebars.
• Meet safety standards.
• Choose products from reliable manufacturers.

Additionally, it is recommended to refer to product descriptions and user reviews to confirm compatibility before making a purchase.

Getting advice on legal backrests from a reliable motorcycle parts store or motorcycle shop would provide greater peace of mind.

Summary

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We have discussed illegal installation methods for motorcycle backrests and the penalties incurred if caught.

If the dimensions of your motorcycle change beyond the prescribed limits due to the installation of a backrest, a structural modification (or modification application for motorcycles under 205cc) procedure is required.

Failure to make structural modifications will not only result in your vehicle failing its inspection but also in police enforcement, and in the worst-case scenario, it could be deemed an illegal modification. Therefore, complete the procedure within 15 days of making any customizations.