Always mod responsibly! My 35% VLT window tint isn't legal in New York State, but I've never been hassled about it. Removing my outside mirror isn't legal here either, but my interior side view mirror gives me a better view.
I got pulled over once for the missing mirror. I have also removed the passenger's side wiper arm and put a longer wiper blade on the driver's side. I put the mirror and wiper back on once a year for the annual inspection. I don't think any of my illegal mods endanger anybody. Safety is important when modding cars. Which is why I still have the interior pieces around the front seats still in place. I don't want sharp metal around me! My 25 year old pile of rust isn't safe compared to a modern car, but I haven't done anything to it that makes it less safe to me or anybody else. Except let it rust!