Move to codify vehicle modifications fails to impress Gen Z motorists

The Motor Vehicles department (MVD) has taken the first step towards permitting vehicle modifications sought by motor enthusiasts and vehicle modification agencies in the State. The State Transport Commissioner has prepared a report identifying modifications that can be carried out on vehicles. However, the report appears to have disappointed many Gen Z motorists, as most of the modifications listed were already being permitted in the State.

The State government will take a final decision on the matter after examining the report submitted by the Transport Commissioner. The report lists 18 types of modifications, including stickers and ambient lighting, that can be carried out without prior permission, while others can be undertaken only with special permission.

Ahead of the elections, a statement by V.D. Satheesan that vehicle modifications would be permitted had generated considerable excitement among Gen Z motorists on social media, who were eagerly awaiting the announcement. After assuming the office of Chief Minister, Mr. Satheesan reiterated his commitment to keeping his promise. In a reel, he remarked, “Let the kids modify.” His smile in the video became a social media sensation, earning him the sobriquet ‘Pookie CM.’

According to the report, vehicle owners may carry out modifications such as installing seat covers, floor mats, steering wheel covers, chrome garnishes, door visors, mud flaps, non-obscene body decals and stickers, ambient interior lighting, dash cams, reverse cameras, parking sensors, GPS trackers, Android infotainment systems, additional speakers, tyre pressure monitoring systems, tow hooks (provided they do not exceed the overall dimensions of the vehicle), roof carriers for personal luggage within prescribed size limits, and sun films on side windows with a minimum visibility of 50%, without seeking permission from MVD officials.

On the other hand, modifications such as changing the vehicle’s body colour, replacing the engine with another of the same make and specifications, fitting LPG/CNG retrofit kits, converting vehicles into electric vehicles (EVs), adapting vehicles for use by persons with disabilities, and replacing the chassis frame require prior permission from the MVD and must be recorded in the Registration Certificate (RC) in accordance with Rule 112 of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules (CMVR).

Rule 112 of the CMVR stipulates that any alteration or retrofitment to a motor vehicle under Section 52(1) of the Motor Vehicles Act, including but not limited to changes in fuel type, conversion of the propulsion system, replacement of the engine or chassis, or modifications to the body structure, must comply with the conditions, standards, and specifications notified by the Central government. Such modifications must be carried out either by the original equipment manufacturer (OEM), an authorised dealer of the manufacturer, a workshop authorised by the State government, or a service station approved by the State government.

Speaking to The Hindu, Transport Commissioner C.H. Nagaraju said that the department’s exercise was aimed at codifying and tabulating alterations that can be undertaken with and without prior permission. “Until now, we had no such consolidated list. None of these modifications have been newly introduced by the State government. They were already permissible under certain conditions prescribed in the CMVR. We have only listed and clarified them,” Mr. Nagaraju said.

However, the new list has failed to enthuse many Gen Z motorists who were expecting more substantial relaxations. Most of the permitted modifications were already being carried out in the State, both with and without official approval. “Only certain relaxations, such as permitting stickers, ambient lighting, additional speakers, and sun films with 50% visibility, can be considered significant changes. Most of the other modifications were already in practice,” said Ranjith George, a vehicle enthusiast from Thiruvananthapuram.