Modified cars need government's nod

Stylish spoilers, low ground clearance, husky engine noise, sporty headlamps and huge alloy wheels are some of the things that make up a modified car.

Modified cars have always been in vogue and continue to entice car lovers across the country. But what most people do not know is that these modifications can sometimes make your car illegal for the roads if proper procedures are not followed.

According to Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), a modified car needs to undergo several mandatory checks by government-approved agencies.

The checks need to be done to establish the fact that structural changes and engine modifications have been made.

The approval is mandatory because if the requisite certification/paper work is missing then the owner is considered to have violated the Motor Vehicles Act 1988. And the car is considered illegal for the road.

The Indian government has strict rules regarding car modifications and illegal cars can be confiscated anytime.

The procedure to get the car back is a lengthy and expensive one. According to the government norms a modified car can be evaluated at three testing centres - ARAI-Pune, Vehicle Research and Development Establishment, Ahmednagar, and the Indian Institute of Planning and Management, Dehradun.

So, a person planning to modify his car should first get the modification plans approved by the original car maker and modify as per plan. Then the modified car should be approved by the original car maker and finally taken for approval to government-approved certifying agencies.

India's car modification industry is pegged at Rs 50 crore (Rs 500 million) and is seeing a positive year on year growth. Modifications can cost anything between a few lakhs to a few crores depending upon the modification job.

With more and more people wanting to modify their cars it become important that they are aware of the legal aspect too.

Some feel that the mandatory evaluation of remodelled cars by the government hinders the growth of the car modification industry. But the authorities have a different view and feel that checks are mandatory to ensure that safety standards have been properly met. Often, cars that are remodelled at small shops do not adhere to the rules and thus cannot be allowed on roads.

However, the government should consider making these checks locally available. But the local RTOs need to improve infrastructure to do these type of certifications.

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