What Are The Rules Regarding Registration Of Modified Vehicles?

In India, modifications to vehicles must comply with specific rules outlined in the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, to ensure safety, emission standards, and roadworthiness. Unauthorized or illegal modifications can result in penalties, including impoundment of the vehicle. Proper registration of modified vehicles is essential for ensuring that such changes do not compromise road safety or violate environmental norms.

Legal Requirements and Regulations

Approval for Modifications:

Under Section 52 of the Motor Vehicles Act, any modifications made to a vehicle must be approved by the Regional Transport Office (RTO). Modifications that alter the structure, engine, or body of the vehicle—such as changing the engine capacity, installing a different body, or adding oversized wheels—require prior approval. The modified vehicle needs to be inspected by the RTO to ensure that the changes meet safety and emissions standards.

Types of Allowed Modifications:

Modifications that do not affect the safety or emission levels of the vehicle are generally allowed. These include changes such as installing custom seat covers, upgraded sound systems, or alloy wheels. However, modifications that alter the vehicle’s performance, such as engine tuning or exhaust modifications, need approval. Any modification that affects the vehicle's safety features (like seat belts or airbags) or emission standards is strictly prohibited.

Modification and Emission Standards:

Vehicles must continue to meet the emission norms set by the government after modification. If the modification involves the engine or exhaust system, the vehicle must pass an emission test. Failure to comply with Bharat Stage (BS) emission standards can result in the vehicle not being registered or facing heavy fines.

Re-registration of Modified Vehicles:

After the modification, the vehicle must be re-registered with the RTO. The vehicle owner needs to submit documents of approval, the vehicle’s original registration details, and proof that the modification adheres to safety and emission standards. Upon successful inspection and verification, the RTO will update the vehicle’s registration to reflect the modifications.

Illegal Modifications:

Unauthorized modifications are considered illegal, and vehicles with such modifications may face penalties. Illegal modifications include:

• Altering the vehicle's size or height, which could affect its stability and handling.
• Changing the original color of the vehicle without notifying the RTO.
• Modifying the engine capacity beyond what is allowed by law.
• Installing non-compliant exhaust systems, which increase noise pollution and harm the environment.

The penalty for having an illegally modified vehicle can include a fine of ₹5,000 or more, along with possible suspension of the vehicle's registration.

Custom Vehicles and Specialty Modifications:

For specialty modifications (like custom cars for shows or racing vehicles), the vehicle must undergo a thorough inspection to ensure it adheres to all safety norms. These vehicles are typically registered for non-road use or special events and may not be legally driven on public roads unless they meet road safety and environmental standards.

Example:

In 2021, a car owner in Bengaluru modified his car by installing a larger engine and a custom exhaust system. After the modification, he drove the car without re-registering it with the RTO. During a routine check, traffic police noticed the modification and impounded the vehicle. The car owner was fined ₹10,000 and asked to submit the vehicle for inspection at the RTO to ensure compliance with safety and emission standards. The vehicle was re-registered only after passing all the required checks.