In a few cases, Yes, a modified bike can be legal in India, but there are a few rules set by RTO and the Motor Vehicles Act, which lay down to what extent you can modify a bike or any vehicle for that matter. If it is about bikes, well keep on reading, but if you want to dive deeper into what’s illegal with bike modification and what’s not, then you’d have to do a little bit of your own diligence.
Are Bike Mods That Big Of A Deal In India?
The degree to which a simple bike modification can create such confusion and uncertainty in India with the governing laws regulating vehicle modifications under the Motor Vehicles Act is no small matter at all. But why’s that? See, if a mod changes the original specifications of the bike, it is against the law if it is not approved properly. What’s the big deal about this? Well, it’s all about safety. The behavior of the mod, such as if your bike is both a hazard for you and people on the road is something you ought to think about when determining its reasonableness, you know?
The RTO is the agency that is empowered to supervise the modifications done to the vehicle. Just so you know, you are required to get the approval of the RTO in order to be able to change your bike legally. This step is particularly important both for the There is no doubt that you have to be very careful in this step because, the operations and proportions of the bike are not merely only the safety aspect, they reflect how the manipulation is done by the manufacturer. At the same time too, the Automotive Research Authority of India (ARAI) is the institution that sets the standards regarding safety and amendment.
Even the Supreme Court of India has given their whole-hearted support to them and they make sure that nothing is left unchecked. In most cases, the inspection of parts to the extent of engine changes, exhaust modifications, and any installations that can affect the performance of the car should be reviewed, or nothing will be done as they will be classified as illegal.
Are There Risks to Modding Your Bike Without Approval?
Just to be clear, you see, when you make modifications to your bike it is always risky, and it can become really serious, especially in India. If you get caught, you will end up with a hefty fine, or worse, your bike will be seized. The reason is that a bike that is modified illegally is breaking the law, simple as that.
The other area where you might face some issues is insurance. If you change your bike without informing your insurer, it is likely that the moment you have to make a claim a wall will be hit. Insurers have the annoying habit of saying that they have to know about modifications because they can influence the bike’s value or risk score, thus possibly changing your premium, you know? Just so you know, when changes are not reported, the insurer has every right to deny the claim, and you are the one who will have to shoulder all the related expenses.
