Kerala MVD tightens crackdown on unauthorised vehicle mods after HC order

What Happened

The Motor Vehicles Department (MVD) of Keralam intensified enforcement against unauthorised vehicle modifications after a Kerala High Court order. The directive imposes a separate fine for each unauthorised modification found on a vehicle, and owners must restore the vehicle to its original condition and undergo re-inspection by the MVD. Officials were instructed to identify vehicles modified specifically for shooting social media reels. Regional Transport Officers (RTOs) were told to report on actions taken over the past three months by September 3. The High Court had directed the Enforcement wing of the MVD and the Kerala Police to impose strict penalties on vehicles with illegal modifications used in public places, citing safety concerns under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, and the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989. The case that prompted the directive involved a modified four-wheeler seen in media reports during flood rescue operations in Adoor in early August, highlighting risks to other road users when such vehicles operate publicly.

Why It Matters

The court-ordered penalties and mandatory restoration steps signal a tightened regulatory stance on vehicle modifications, aiming to curb safety hazards and the use of modified vehicles in public spaces. The focus on mods used for social media content indicates attention to how trends and online visibility intersect with road safety. With fines set at ₹5,000 per violation, the enforcement approach creates a financial motive for compliance and a process to revert vehicles to stock configurations.

Background

Previously, the state government allowed certain vehicle modifications under restricted conditions. The High Court’s directive followed a case regarding a modified vehicle linked to flood rescue reporting in Adoor in the first week of August. The court noted potential safety risks from using modified vehicles in public places under existing laws.

Key Facts

• The High Court directed strict penalties on vehicles with illegal modifications used in public places under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, and Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989.
• A separate ₹5,000 fine will be imposed for each unauthorised modification found on a vehicle.
• Owners must restore the vehicle to its original condition and present it for re-inspection by the MVD after paying fines.
• Officials are to identify vehicles modified for shooting social media reels.
• RTOs must submit reports on action taken over the preceding three months by September 3.
• The directive followed an incident involving a modified four-wheeler reported during flood rescue operations in Adoor in early August.
• The High Court’s action was in response to the court’s concern about safety risks from modified vehicles in public settings.

What Happens Next

RTOs will compile and submit three-month action reports by September 3. Enforcement teams will continue identifying unauthorised modifications and applying the per-violation fine, with subsequent restoration requirements and re-inspection for affected vehicles. The legal framework guiding the penalties remains tied to existing national vehicle regulations cited by the court.