Understanding Car Modification Rules

Car modification has become a popular trend among car owners. Car enthusiasts modify their automobiles to give their vehicle the perfect form with better performance and aesthetics, depending on their preferences. The rules for the modification of cars in India are pretty rigid, and a majority of modifications tend to be illegal ones due to safety and other valid reasons, which further results in heavy penalties. 

That’s why one must know about the legalities and procedures involved in car modifications to be safe and lawful. Further in this blog, a brief understanding of car modification rules is explained; read it till the end to modify your vehicle legally!

What is Car Modification?

Car modification has been defined as an alteration to the design, structure, or functionality of a car from its original factory specifications. It can be in terms of aesthetic improvements such as special paintwork, mechanical improvements such as fitting of full beam headlights, or suspension systems.

Types of Car Modifications

There are several car modification categories; a few popular ones are listed below:

• Cosmetic Modifications: Painting, decals, spoilers, and interior modifications that add to the car's aesthetics but do nothing to affect its performance.

• Performance Modifications: Modification of the car to upgrade the engine, exhaust, and suspension line, which is targeted at improving the car's speed, handling, or efficiency.

• Functional Modifications: Altered for safety and comfort purposes. These enhancements include better headlights, roof racks, or an infotainment system (car multimedia accessories).

Car Modifications That Are Allowed in India

Indian law allows some changes, but only as long as they do not compromise the security of the vehicle, and also the standards on emissions:

• Paint Jobs: Vehicle owners can change the color of their car, but that color should be registered in the vehicle's registration documents.

• Alloy Wheels and Tyres: It is permitted to install wider alloy wheels or tires, so long as they do not compromise the capacity of the vehicle and are up to safety standards.

• Infotainment Systems: Putting in a new stereo, display, or fitting a GPS is not a prohibited modification.

• Interior Customizations: Fitting seat covers, floor mats, and any other form of change that does not dramatically alter the framework of the car is usually allowed.

Car Modifications That Are Not Allowed in India

Multiple modifications are specifically banned in India on issues of safety or the environment:

• Structural Alterations: Any form of alteration that changes the body of the chassis (base frame of the car) or the frame of the vehicle is illegal.

• Tinted Windows: Dark window tints are strictly not allowed and are completely illegal because they obscure visibility beyond the legal limit.

• Bull Bars and Crash Guards: Bullbars or crash guards are strictly not mounted since they interfere with the sensors of the airbags.

• Exhaust Modifications: The fitting of louder free-flow exhaust systems that do not comply with the emission standards is strictly not allowed.

The Process of Getting Modifications Approved

In India, any alteration that can change a vehicle's form or functionality requires the approval of the Regional Transport Office. The process to obtain car modification approval in India is explained below:

• Application: You must file an application with the RTO (Regional Transport Office) explaining the details of the changes intended to be made.

• Checking: The RTO has the right to inspect the vehicle before and after changing to ensure safety, emission, and environmental standards are being met.

• Approbation: The alterations will appear on the owner's car RC once it passes through the test.

Impact of Modifications on Car Insurance

The car owner attracts benefits and drawbacks with the modifications made to their vehicle, such as:

• The performance of the car is enhanced by alterations such as engine tuning or turbochargers simultaneously, they also increase the potential of becoming involved in accidents.

• Coverage will also be limited in modifications respects, as they are excluded from coverage such that when destroyed, the altered parts won't be compensated.

• Blank Policy: If the owner doesn't declare or justify major alterations, the insurance claim may be denied in the case of an accident

Penalties and Consequences for Illegal Modifications

Under the Motor Vehicles Act, illegal changes can lead to very severe penalties such as:

• Fine: The owner could be fined anywhere between ₹1,000 and ₹5,000 based on the extent of the alteration.

• Impounding of Vehicle: The police may impound the vehicle in extreme cases if it has unauthorized modifications.

• Loss of Insurance: The insurers may cancel the policy as indicated earlier, due to illegal modifications found.

Tips For Safe and Legal Car Modifications

To ensure that the alteration or modifications of the car are both safely and legally carried out, one should:

• Research Before Making Any Changes Change: Each change should pass the test of legality before implementation. Some minor changes make them realise after application that they are breaking the law.

• Stick To Cosmetic Changes: Custom paint jobs, interior modifications, and similar modifications are pretty safe and are very minimal, more than likely to attract penalties from the authorities.

• Seek Advice: Seek the expert opinion of automotive persons or the car manufacturer before making performance-related changes that may not affect its safety value.

• Get Modifications Approved: Always get the modifications approved by the RTO to avoid any legal trouble.

FAQs

Q: Is it allowed to paint the car a different colour?

A: Yes, but one is required to update the new colour in the vehicle's registration certificate.

Q: Are aftermarket headlights approved?

A: Aftermarket headlights are permissible if they meet the prescribed safety standards and do not cause excessive glare.

Q: What happens if the owner doesn't declare modifications to the insurance company?

A: If the owner does not declare their modifications, a mishap might cause the insurance claim to be denied.

Q: Is it illegal to install a sunroof?

A: It is technically illegal to install an aftermarket sunroof. A sunroof is a change in the car's structure.