Case at a glance: In a continuing suo motu case on road safety, the Kerala High Court has directed a fine of Rs 5,000 for every unauthorised alteration to a motor vehicle, in addition to Motor Vehicles Act penalties. It ordered that details, photos and videos of modifications in accident vehicles be uploaded to the e-DAR system, and held, relying on the Supreme Court in S. Rajaseekaran, that high-intensity lights cannot be permitted on vehicles.
The Court, continuing earlier orders, had watched YouTube videos showing vehicles fitted with high-intensity lamps, red-blue strobes, tri-colour fog lamps, after-market lights replacing rear reflectors, wheel spacers and wide tyres, exhaust “flame-kits”, and an off-road vehicle built from mixed parts.
The Transport Commissioner had issued instructions requiring colour photos of unauthorised alterations in accident inspection reports, but the photos do not appear on printed e-DAR reports and the VAHAN portal has no photo-upload facility for RTOs.
The Key Question Before the Court
What further directions are needed to enforce the law against unauthorised vehicle modifications?
Enforcement Gaps and Safety Standards
Relying on S. Rajaseekaran v. Union of India, the Court held that high-intensity lights “cannot be permitted on motor vehicles”, and cited AIS-120 to show the detail of the applicable safety standards.
It noted that “no action is being taken by the Enforcement Wing... or Police” against vehicles with projecting wheels, and issued directions to close the gaps in recording modifications in accident cases.
What the Court Actually Held
- A fine of Rs 5,000 per unauthorised alteration, in addition to MV Act penalties.
- The Transport Commissioner must ensure modification details, photos and videos of accident vehicles are uploaded to e-DAR, including changes raising engine performance and braking modifications.
- The State Police Chief must ensure strict compliance “in letter and spirit”.
- NIC's Deputy Director General impleaded; the matter is listed on 28 October 2026.
Why This Judgment Matters
- It strengthens enforcement against illegal vehicle modifications.
- It integrates modification evidence into accident records.
- It applies Supreme Court directions on high-intensity lights.
What Should Advocates Take Away From the Judgment?
For Vehicle Owners
- Remove unauthorised lights, flame-kits and wheel alterations to avoid per-alteration fines.
- Check modifications against the CMV Rules and AIS standards.
For MACT Practitioners
- Look for modification details in e-DAR reports when assessing accident liability.
Key Takeaways
- Rs 5,000 fine per alteration.
- High-intensity lights not permitted.
- Modifications to be recorded in e-DAR.
- Police to enforce strictly.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. It is an interim order in a continuing suo motu case.
No. It is in addition to MV Act penalties.
Recording modifications in accident reports helps establish their role in accidents.
Conclusion
The order signals sustained judicial pressure on authorities to enforce vehicle modification rules.
Practical takeaway: In Kerala, each unauthorised alteration now attracts an added Rs 5,000 fine, and modifications will feature in accident records.