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During the election, Satheesan promised that if UDF is elected, safe vehicle modifications will be allowed. This contrasts with the previous LDF government's strict penalties for modifications. The new CM confirmed the commitment to legalize modifications.
Satheesan had promised that if UDF was elected to power, the new government would allow ‘safe’ modifications of vehiclesNewly-appointed Kerala Chief Minister VD Satheesan held his first press conference on Monday, hours after assuming office and holding the first meeting of his cabinet. While the announcement of free journeys in KSRTC buses for women, the setting up of a new department for old aged persons, and an increase in the payment to Asha workers made the most headlines, vehicle enthusiasts in the state also got something to cheer for.
Kerala CM on allowing vehicle modifications
The CM responded with a smile and nodding gesture to a question about allowing vehicle modifications.
“We promised to legalise it. It was the demand of a lot of youths, and it will be done,” Satheesan said.
What UDF's manifesto said
During the election campaign, too, Satheesan had promised that if UDF was elected to power, the new government would allow ‘safe’ modifications of vehicles. The UDF’s election manifesto had also promised the same.
According to UDF's election manifesto, safe modifications, those that do not compromise road safety, noise, or pollution standards, would be allowed.
Acknowledging the passion of vehicle enthusiasts, Satheesan had said that modification, in itself, should not be treated as a crime.
Kerala's MVD's crackdown on vehicle modifications
This is in stark contrast to the previous, CPI-M-led LDF government, under which the Kerala Motor Vehicles Department (MVD) enforced a strict crackdown on vehicle modifications.
Even minor alterations, including lights and horns, attracted a penalty of a minimum of ₹5,000, while installing modified exhausts had a fine of up to ₹10,000.
Under Section 52 of the Motor Vehicles Act, repeat violations would also result in doubled penalties, suspension of the Registration Certificate (RC), and seizure of the vehicle.
The Kerala High Court had also directed the MVD to strictly penalise illegal alterations and to deny fitness certificates to non-compliant vehicles.
What previous Transport Minister said
KB Gansesh Kumar, who held the Transport portfolio in the previous LDF Government, had rubbished Satheesan's promises and pointed out that rules for vehicle modifications were laid out in the central law and not the state.
What Motor Vehicle Act says
According to Section 52 of the Central Motor Vehicle Act (1988), no owner of a motor vehicle shall so alter the vehicle that the particulars contained in the certificate of registration are at variance with those originally specified by the manufacturer.
However, minor modifications that do not change the basic identity or structural integrity of the vehicle, such as minor cosmetic changes, color repainting, or changing to a different fuel/battery system, are permitted if the vehicle owner has obtained the approval of the registering authority to make such alteration.
What Supreme Court said
In 2019, the Supreme Court, in a landmark ruling, banned structural alterations that change the original specifications certified by the manufacturer. The court ruled that vehicles cannot be registered if they undergo fundamental structural modifications to their body, chassis, or engine.
The Supreme Court also said that the provisions and restrictions under the central legislation supersede any conflicting or lenient state-specific rules.
Key Takeaways
- New CM VD Satheesan aims to fulfill promises made during the election regarding vehicle modifications.
- The proposed changes signify a shift from stringent regulations to a more accommodating approach for vehicle enthusiasts.
- Legalizing safe modifications could enhance road safety while allowing personal expression among vehicle owners.
About the Author
Bobins Vayalil Abraham
Bobins loves telling the human side of all stories, from the intersection of geopolitics, international relations, and conflicts around the world. In his nearly one-and-a-half-decade career as a journalist, Bobins has covered South Asia, the Middle East, and North America, from elections to mass protests and conflicts. <br> Bobins has also done extensive reporting on environmental issues, climate change, and sustainability, focusing on solutions and people working to make the planet a better place to live. <br> In 2018, Bobins was awarded by Times Internet for the impact of his story on Delhi tree cuttings. Bobins also loves telling the stories of Indian startups and the journey of their founders. <br> Total Years of Experience: 14 <br> Years of experience at LM: Bobins has been a part of Live Mint since February 2026 <br> Interests: When he is not tracking conflicts, Bobins loves to cook, travel across India, click photos, and watch documentaries on history. Past Experience: Before joining Live Mint, Bobins worked with The Indian Express, where he led the Global Breaking News coverage, Indiatimes, where he led the news team, covering everything trending, ANI, where the focus of his coverage was South Asia, and NBS News. <br> Current Role: Bobins is currently working as an Assistant Editor at Live Mint.
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