Why Not?
I was reading a recent article on police crackdowns on modified cars. The crux of the police’s argument is “Why do you want to go faster, the only people who go fast are street racers, obviously.” I just do not understand that mentality. Heck, the police cars are modified to go faster and run harder. While the differences between a P71 Police Cruiser and a turbocharged Civic are vast and numerous, one must ask why not? Despite the obvious safety implications of letting Tommy the street racer soup up his 3000GT, what harm is in modifying cars. Go faster, turn harder, stop shorter, or make a style statement. These ideas echo back to the roots of the automotive industry. A few guys tinkering with a motor and wheels. In the 50’s it was hot rods, the 60’s muscle cars, in the 80’s imports emerged in earnest, 90’s saw the soar in street racing mentality, and the new decade has brought about a more subtle scene (mostly to combat unwanted Piggie attention).
What harm is possible from modifying a person’s car? Yes, the end result may be ugly and run poorly, but there is a certain against the grain of society element found in car customizing. As long as cars meet emissions and safety inspection guidelines (both of which are very lax) I see no problem letting idiots and enthusiasts change parts and tune cars. Whether it be a HKS muffler or stand alone ECU, these parts were not meant to break laws. That is similar to saying that all gun owners are murderers. It makes no logical sense as some gun owners shoot for sport, fun, competition, or hunting. Automotive enthusiasts use cars to commute, auto-x, and go around corners at legal speeds.
The main culprit, I think, is money. While I have given many spiels on the vitriol that is money, the police use it to justify the heavy handed nature of current enforcement. Under the guise of public safety, police issue what is essentially a tax on modifying cars. If only the police were to focus on real crime and cell phone drivers that are more of a nuisance than the buzzing Focus sitting next to me at the light. Hopefully the new SEMA Action Network and other like minded groups and citizens can coerce change from the government. I pray these alterations can force police to center efforts on the public’s concern. Like murder, or theft, or civil unrest, or maybe going 2mph over the limit with an intake and AEM sticker.
Wait, scratch that last one. Change is constant, but hopefully constructive simultaneously.