The Odisha Government has decided to initiate stringent action in accordance with the Motor Vehicle Act on the use of vehicles with unauthorised structural modifications violating the provisions of law.
The State Transport Authority (STA) has issued a directive to all Regional Transport Officers to launch a crackdown on such unlawful use of structurally modified vehicles in the wake of reports of modified vehicles involved in road accidents.
It has come to notice that a growing number of different types of vehicles, particularly those popularly referred to as DJ vehicles, are being extensively modified and operated in public places across the State of Odisha. These modifications are being carried out in blatant contravention of the provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, and the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, and pose a serious and increasing threat to road safety, STA said in an official letter to RTOs.
Such vehicles are frequently found to be in violation of the dimensional and safety standards prescribed under the relevant Automotive Industry Standards and provisions of MV Law, which pertains to the Installation Requirements of Lighting and Light Signalling Devices for Motor Vehicles, it said.
Structural alterations exceeding permissible length, width, height, and rear overhang severely compromise the vehicle’s maneuverability and safe road usage.
Replacement of prescribed lighting and signalling systems with high-intensity aftermarket multi-coloured LED, laser, and neon lights, including flashing DJ lights, is visually disruptive to other drivers.
Use of high-power DJ audio systems (several thousand watts PMPO), amplifiers, and mixers emits excessive sound and light, distracting both the vehicle driver and other road users.
Obstructions to driver visibility are caused by tinted films, sliding curtains, banners, interior lighting, and other unauthorised fittings on the windshield and windows.
These vehicles not only endanger the lives of passengers travelling in such vehicles but also pose significant risks to other road users, including pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists.
The operation of vehicles in gross violation of safety norms, particularly for celebratory or commercial purposes, erodes public confidence in the regulatory framework and compromises the spirit of this campaign.
The matter warrants urgent and stringent enforcement action in accordance with the statutory provisions, with a view to curbing such unsafe practices and ensuring the safety of all road users.
”Any vehicles found flouting the provisions of AIS-008 and AIS-052 or Section 52 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 shall be immediately proceeded against. Action shall also be taken for use of altered vehicles in public places. The Fitness Certificate of such vehicles shall be cancelled under Section 56(4) of the MV Act,” the STA said.
Strict prohibition is imposed on the use of aftermarket multi-coloured LED/laser/neon lights and rotating DJ lights. The use of DJ systems, amplifiers, mixers, laser light controllers, and any similar setups that modify the passenger cabin/cargo bed/trailer into an entertainment zone shall be strictly banned.
Vehicles found with such installations shall be treated as unsafe and unfit for operation, and actions will be taken as per law, the STA concluded.