so failed a DOT inspection today for my car that i brought over from the east coast. Got told my secured pod filter and coilovers with no strut tops needs approval which require me to fill out a 12 page mod approval application and wait 3-4 weeks min for processing. (keeping in mind i'll have to pay the full price for inspection if the car is not brought back within the month)

Ive heard of being able to obtain permit for mods x,y,z just by asking them to inspect your mods when you go over pits at a dpi, where the assessor will just go into his office and write it up for you. not sure how much truth there is to that? but if it were true, what would be the difference between that case and actually having to submit the mod ap form. i seriously dont understand how coilovers, at a legal ride height, makes a difference to any cars "roadworthness".

Since when did you need a mod permit for a well secured pod and coilovers? And do coilovers need to be engineered these days?

thanks in advance