Kerala MVD begins statewide crackdown on vehicles with illegal modifications

Thiruvananthapuram: The Motor Vehicles Department (MVD) is set to intensify enforcement against vehicles carrying unauthorised modifications across Kerala, following directions from the High Court. Enforcement officials will conduct inspections on roads and impose a fine of Rs 5,000 for each illegal alteration detected.

Paying the penalty will not allow vehicle owners to continue using the modified vehicle. They will first have to remove the unauthorised components and present the vehicle for inspection by the authorities before it can be legally operated again, The New Indian Express reported.

The High Court's directions came amid concerns that certain modifications could pose serious risks to other road users. Officials are particularly targeting alterations such as oversized tyres, high-intensity LED light bars and unauthorised coloured lights, which can impair the vision of approaching motorists and pedestrians.

Modified exhaust systems that generate excessive noise or emit sparks are also prohibited on safety grounds.

The Transport Commissionerate has instructed all Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) to submit detailed action reports by September 3. The reports are expected to include the penalties imposed during the previous three months as well as details of enforcement action against social media influencers who allegedly use illegally modified cars and motorcycles while creating video reels.

Vehicle alterations are regulated under Section 52 of the Central Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. The provision restricts changes that take a vehicle away from the specifications approved by its manufacturer.

Unauthorised changes to components such as lighting systems, tyres, exhausts or the vehicle's body structure can affect the validity of its registration. Authorities can impose multiple penalties depending on the violations and may also suspend the registration certificate or seize vehicles that continue to remain non-compliant.