VIDEO: Bengaluru Traffic Police Fine Kerala Student Rs 1 Lakh for Modifying Honda City Bought for Rs 70,000

A Kerala student was penalised heavily in Bengaluru after being caught driving a Honda City that had been illegally modified to shoot flames from its exhaust.

The stunt, carried out on a public road, led to swift action by transport authorities, who imposed a fine of Rs 1.11 lakh and seized the vehicle.

Flame-shooting car seized, hefty fine imposed

The incident came to light after the Bengaluru City Traffic Police shared a video showing the car emitting bursts of fire from its exhaust while on the road. Such modifications are strictly prohibited under Indian motor vehicle rules. The video later showed a payment receipt confirming a fine of Rs 1,11,500 issued by the Yelahanka Regional Transport Office, followed by visuals of a police officer standing next to the seized car.

Reacting to the violation, Bengaluru Traffic Police posted a strong message online, stating, "Fire from the exhaust? Expect the cost. Public roads aren't stunt posts."

Traffic police warn against road stunts

Authorities reiterated that public roads cannot be treated as venues for dangerous stunts. In another message, the department said, "Public roads are not a place for stunts. Modifying your vehicle's exhaust to produce sparks or fire is illegal. Remember, you will have to pay a price for your stunts."

Officials stressed that such actions pose serious risks to other road users and contribute to noise and safety hazards, prompting strict enforcement.

What car modifications are allowed in India

Indian law does allow certain vehicle modifications, provided they stay within defined safety, noise and emission limits and do not alter the original structure of the vehicle. Permitted changes include ECU remapping, though it may void the warranty and the car must still meet emission norms and pass PUC tests. Performance upgrades like air filters or internal engine components are allowed if noise and emission standards are maintained.

Suspension changes are legal as long as ground clearance is not significantly altered. Aftermarket CNG kits are permitted when they are RTO-approved and updated in the registration certificate. Modifications for differently-abled drivers are encouraged, with the vehicle registered as an "Adapted Vehicle." Body wraps are allowed if the original colour remains unchanged, while colour changes require RTO approval and updating the RC, except for Army Green, which is reserved for military use. Bolt-on body kits are also allowed if they do not affect the chassis or safety systems.

Modifications that attract penalties

Several alterations are considered illegal and can result in fines or seizure. These include loud aftermarket exhausts exceeding permitted noise levels, additional or rooftop lights mounted above 1.5 metres or causing glare, and engine swaps without RTO approval or RC updates. Pressure or air horns, dark window tints below legal visibility limits, bull bars that interfere with crumple zones or airbags, and structural changes like roof cutting without ARAI approval are also banned. Fancy or altered number plates are illegal, as only high-security registration plates are permitted.

The Bengaluru case serves as a reminder that while personalising vehicles is popular, crossing legal limits can prove costly.