Parliament Question: Unauthorised Modifications on Vehicles

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. - 1932 ANSWERED ON 30th JULY, 2026 UNAUTHORISED MODIFICATIONS ON VEHICLES 1932. DR. ANAND KUMAR: Will the Minister of ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS सड़क परिवहन औि िाजमार्ग मंत्री be pleased to state: (a) whether the Government is aware that many private vehicles are being fitted with larger wheel sizes, modified suspension systems, bumpers and other structural modifications in contravention of the prescribed standards, thereby affecting vehicle stability, safety and roadworthiness and if so, the details thereof; (b) whether the Government has made any assessment of accidents and safety risks caused by such unauthorized vehicle modifications and if so, the details thereof; (c) whether the Government is considering developing any specific guidelines or enforcement mechanism to take action against unauthorized garages, workshops and establishments carrying out such illegal modifications and to prevent such activities and if so, the details thereof; and (d) the steps being taken by the Government to effectively check illegal modifications to vehicles, ensure regular inspections and take strict action against individuals and establishments violating the prescribed rules and standards? ANSWER THE MINISTER OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS (SHRI NITIN JAIRAM GADKARI)(a) to (d) The implementation of the provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 and the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989 comes under the sole jurisdication of the respective State Governments and Union Territory Administrations. State enforcement authorities are empowered to initiate appropriate action against vehicles found with unauthorized modifications carried out not in accordance with the provisions of Central Motor Vehicles Rules (CMVR), 1989 and Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. Section 52 of the Motor Vehicle Act, 1988, provides requirements for alterations in motor vehicles including the specifications prescribed by the Central Government. The Government has introduced the Automated Testing Station (ATS) regime through Rules 175 to 185 of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989 for scientific and transparent fitness testing of vehicles. Under this framework, vehicles are subjected to inspection of safety-critical parameters such as braking performance, steering, suspension, lighting, emissions and other prescribed parameters to ensure continued compliance with the provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 and the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989. Rule 112 of CMVR, 1989, specifies that alteration as per Section 52 shall be carried out by either Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) or dealer of the vehicle manufacturer or workshop or service station authorized by the State Government. Further, Rule 126 of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules (CMVR), 1989 mandates that every prototype motor vehicle shall be subjected to type approval and testing by the notified testing agencies specified therein to ensure compliance with the prescribed safety and emission standards. Unauthorised modifications may render the vehicle non- compliant. Furthermore, motor vehicles are tested for conformity of production in accordance with the provisions under the CMVR, 1989. *****