Supreme Court of India had given a ruling that and modification of vehicles is illegal. Modification of cars is not as rampant in India as is the case for scooters and motorcycles. These vehicles are fitted with aftermarket horns and exhausts that emit a loud exhaust note which is more than the prescribed limit, and which adversely affects other road users.
The Kerala State Police have started clamping down on the use of such bikes, cancelling registration and impounding the modified vehicles. More recently the Kerala MVD officials visited a local college where an auto show was organized. The surprise check saw several modified vehicles which the authorities immediately confiscated, even though these bikes were a part of the display and were not used on the road at the time of them being booked.
Having been informed that such a show was going to be conducted, a shadow squad of the MVD followed the bikes. They then checked out the vehicles on display and spotted the modified bikes. The auto show also had a special bike stunting exhibition where the modified bikes were shown off. They emitted loud noises due to modifications of silencers while some of the bikes were without silencers of any kind which caused an even more elevated level of sound.
In all, 10 modified bikes were confiscated and their owners booked. The owners will have to appear before the RTO. The modified parts will have to be replaced and the bikes will have to be shown in stock condition and the bikes will be checked for all original parts.
MVD officials have also warned the authorities of the educational institution to be wary of holding such events especially when these modifications are against the Supreme Court ruling. Despite these warnings, the event was held and hence this stern action was taken.
Modifications are considered the latest fad. A large number of buyers opt for modifications ranging from exterior makeup to interior updates while bikes are modified in terms of silencers and exhausts systems. However, following the ban, the transport authorities are cracking down on these modified vehicles.
The stipulated noise limit for motorcycles and scooters is 80 decibels and any vehicle found flouting this regulation is liable for legal action. The thunderous sound emitted deafens the ears and poses a serious health hazard to other road users and especially in residential areas where there are sick and aged residents.
