New Wheels: Let's talk legal
BACK TO OVERVIEWA report is required for registration, confirming the compatibility of the wheel/tyre combination. The report must include a strength test, and all restrictions and requirements from the report must be met.
Requirements for registration
A report is required for registration, confirming the compatibility of the wheel/tyre combination. The report must include a strength test, and all restrictions and requirements from the report must be met.
Wheel covering: The wheel must be completely covered in the area 30° in front of and 50° behind the wheel's centre axis. Rubber flaps or a widening of the wheel well may need to be added if necessary.
Clearance and distances: At maximum compression and full steering lock, there must be a 10-mm clearance around the tyre. A minimum distance of 3 mm is required between the brake disc and the rim.
Requirements specified in the report must be complied with, such as those regarding the bolts, centring rings, and tyre dimensions to be used.
What happens if you don’t register?
Without valid registration, the vehicle is considered not roadworthy. In the event of a police check, fines can be imposed, and in the case of an accident, the insurance company may refuse to cover the damage.
If a report is missing, one must be created. This is done by TÜV or DEKRA, but this process is very costly. Once the report has been obtained, it still needs to be registered. The following documents are required for this:
- Proof of approval
- Type approval certificate, individual approval, or EC type approval
- Certification from the specialist workshop regarding the conversion
- Possibly a non-objection certificate from the manufacturer
- If represented by someone else: a power of attorney
Our conclusion:
Installing new rims and tyres is technically and legally demanding. It is worth carefully observing the regulations and carrying out all necessary registrations to ensure safety and legal compliance. To be on the safe side, look for rims with the necessary approvals according to ECE 124.
These are rare, but for larger manufacturers like DOTZ, the development effort is worthwhile, which is why they offer many designs for various vehicles with ECE fitment.
In case of doubt, you can always consult your dealer, the relevant authority, TÜV, or DEKRA. Without approval/registration, what seems like fun can turn out to be not only dangerous but also expensive.