Did You Know: Owning a Modified Car/Bike Can Get You Jailed For Up To 6 Months

Modified cars and bikes have an exponential demand in the automobile sector. But, if you are planning some extensive modification to amp up the awesomeness quotient in your car/bike, pause right there.

Before opting for changes in your automobile, you should be aware of its consequences. Yes, you might end up paying a whopping fine and even end up behind bars because of your modified car!

A Supreme Court judgment by Judge Vineet Saran and Arun Mishra in 2019 makes car modifications a punishable offence. But, there are still some minor additions you can make to your car or bike. Read on as we explain the law concerning modified cars and bikes to you.

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Can I Still Modify My Car or Bike?

The judgement says that car or bike owners should not make any modifications different from the manufacturer's recommendations. Improvements such as louder horns, engine, broader rims, exhaust changes, and bigger alloy wheels are not illegal and might levy a heavy fine.

But, you can still proceed with changes, including car colour, upsizing wheels or tires, or bumper corner protectors. If you still want to opt for a modified car or bike, you have to follow the rules laid out by the central government.

Are you wondering what you can do with your existing modified bike or car? Well, you can still use it as a project car or drive them around on your private property. Mind it, driving the car on the highway would result in the police seizing your precious wheels. It also reminds us that aftermarket parts such as extra-large tires and bullbars are banned for Indian vehicles. There is a whopping demand for modified cars with such accessories, but they are not safe for the road.

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RTO Permission Required

To make a few other changes, you need permission from the RTO to proceed. If you drive a modified bike or car in public spaces, you are bound to fill penalty charges of nearly Rs. 50,000 and maybe even face a six-month imprisonment period. Structural modifications are no longer legal for Indian cars. Besides, the Motor Vehicle Act imposes a ban on such automobiles.

The bulky and shiny accessories might look like an excellent accessory for your car. However, you should know that the local garages produce them without proper welding techniques.

As a result, cars with such additions can be a threat to public spaces. The vehicle might possibly disintegrate or lead the car to poor controls, which have an increased risk of on-road accidents. The police force across different states has set up checkpoints to prevent such vehicles from making it to the road.

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So, are you still thinking of updating your vehicle with new expensive modifications? We recommend that you refrain from doing so unless you want to fall into serious trouble!