It was recently that the newly-elected United Democratic Front (UDF) government came to power in Kerala. Legalising ‘safe vehicle modifications’ was one of the biggest promises this time. As part of fulfilling the same, the State Transport Commissioner has now prepared a list of modifications that are ‘deemed safe’. According to it, 18 different ‘modifications’ can be made to a vehicle without the need of any special approval.
The report prepared by the State Transport Commissioner essentially lists 18 items that can be installed on a vehicle legally. These include stickers (decals), ambient lighting/ additional lights, extra speakers, seat cover, floor mats, door visors, mud flaps, dash camera, reverse camera, steering wheel cover, aftermarket Chrome garnish, aftermarket parking sensors, GPS tracker, tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS), aftermarket Android infotainment system, tow hooks, roof carriers (although there will be size limitations) and sun film. It is unclear if more items would be added to this list in the future.
Interestingly, most of these are common accessories which people purchase from both the dealers and from the aftermarket. Seat covers, floor mats etc have been common buys among vehicle owners for a long time. These are already legal. Although it legalises the use of additional speakers, it is unclear if the report specifies the decibel limits/ guidelines to adhere to.
Legalising sun films, on the other hand, can be seen as a big move. The Transport Commissioner’s report, according to sources, mentions that films with up to 50% VLT (Visible Light Transmission) will be allowed within the state. This would be for the side windows, The front and rear windshields will most likely require 70% VLT.
Legalising sun films can prove to be very useful to vehicle owners, particularly during summers. However, there is a nation-wide blanket ban on sun films. So, even if Kerala legalises it, owners may still land in trouble when they cross state borders.
The report also mentions the procedure to undertake, to change the colour of the vehicle. According to it, a full repainting would need prior approval from the RTO, and will have to be endorsed in the RC (Registration Certificate). The owner will also have to pay a fee for this.
It also mentions that any change to the car’s engine, mechanical specifications or bodywork will also need prior approval from the RTO. The same applies for EV and CNG conversions as well. Kerala’s Chief Minister and Transport Minister will now go through the report and decide the direction that the government would take, on the matter.
Image source: Gokul Vijayan
Legalising ‘safe modifications’, we believe, is a great idea. The aftermarket and modifications space has money, business and jobs in it. The Transport Commissioner’s report gives a good starting point. However, it may not be comprehensive enough for many. Legalising sun film, decals and the use of aftermarket speakers are all welcome moves. However, ‘legalising’ accessories like seat covers, aftermarket infotainment systems etc, we think, is more or less a gimmick to hard-sell the move.
The ‘modifications’ space has a lot of untapped potential left. Accessing the same will require the state government to make significant changes to the state motor vehicle rules. In a way, these would have to bypass the Central Motor Vehicle Rules (CMVR). This isn’t going to be easy. It may take time even if the government chooses to do it. For now, the report is what we have. Let’s wait and see what direction the government takes.
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