To put it simply, car modification is legal in India as long as you are following the rules set by the government and laid out by specific laws. So, that’s how it is.
What Are Specific Laws Regarding Car Modification In India?
To be honest, in India, car modification is more of a growing trend, with many individuals opting for these vehicle alterations for several reasons, including personalizing their vehicles and enhancing performance. And you wouldn’t even believe how far people can go just to make their cars appear more personalized and unique. Nevertheless, it is critical to be aware of the legal framework surrounding car modifications before making any alterations to your vehicle. Just so you know, the Motor Vehicles Act of 1988 and the Central Motor Vehicle Rules (CMVR) are the specific laws governing the vehicle modification process in India. Thus, the primary motivation behind the implementation of these rules is to ensure that vehicles are safe for public transportation. And to be clear from the start, if you don’t pay attention to these rules and this specific law, you can very well get into some legal trouble and trouble with your car insurer.
What is Legal in Car Modification?
Aesthetic Modifications: Simply put, these sorts of modifications involve changing how your car looks but not how it performs. The law generally allows these aesthetic alterations given the car is still entirely safe. One interesting example would be the installation of body kits in the form of side panels or splitters. Furthermore, you can change the color of your car as well, although you will be required to obtain permission from the RTO (Regional Transport Office). In addition, there are certain colors such as Army Green that are forbidden for regular vehicles because they are reserved for military use. Similarly, body wrapping can also qualify as a legal option. The vehicle can be covered with vinyl wraps in order to both shield its paint and give it a new appearance, but it must be the same as the original color of your car.
Functional Modifications: The basic purpose of functional modifications is to improve comfort or convenience rather than the performance of cars. For instance, it is totally legal to install new aftermarket components such as CNG kits in your car, but they must be registered with the RTO and reflected in your car documents once fitted. Another common alteration is upgrading the suspension to better cope with rough roads. The modification is lawful as long as the new setup does not create an excessive increase in the car’s ground clearance. Also, in case you are one of the drivers with physical disabilities, you are entitled to a number of alterations according to the law.
Performance Modifications: If you want to increase your car’s performance, you need to be careful, as not every modification is legal. Like what? Well, upgrading the exhaust system or tuning the engine is permitted only if it meets safety and environmental standards. And yes, for example, exhaust systems must comply with regulations regarding noise and emissions. Changing the wheels and tires of your vehicle is also acceptable, but they must match the specifications of the manufacturer.
