Modifications will have to wait: Kerala’s auto culture stuck in first gear

KOCHI: Within India’s automotive landscape, Kerala holds a legendary reputation. From meticulously lowered sedans rolling through the streets of Kochi to rugged, trail-ready off-roaders navigating the high reaches of Wayanad, the state’s car and bike culture is arguably the most vibrant in the country. Yet, for local enthusiasts, the pursuit of a unique ride has always been a high-stakes gamble against the famously vigilant Kerala Motor Vehicles Department (MVD) and a watchful judiciary.

Recent political manifestos initially sparked fresh hope across the state's automotive community by promising a relaxation of enforcement on "non-hazardous" modifications. However, translating this political goodwill into actual asphalt reality faces a massive legal roadblock. Section 52 of the Central Motor Vehicles Act, reinforced by a landmark 2019 Supreme Court ruling, severely restricts alterations to a manufacturer's original specifications, leaving the state government with very little room to manoeuvre.

While the Kerala MVD is reportedly working on a notification to clearly classify permissible visual upgrades, any local reform enters a legal minefield. The Kerala High Court has maintained an incredibly strict stance on road safety, initiating suo motu (self-directed) cases in recent years that heavily targeted the state's automotive subculture.

The crackdown has been felt across all corners of Kerala's car community:

• The Vlogger Crackdown: High-profile Kerala automotive vloggers who utilised heavily modified vehicles for social media clout faced severe legal penalties, shifting the focus of enforcement into the digital space.
• The Commercial Circuit: High-deck tourist buses—famous across the state for elaborate, multi-colored lighting setups and booming sound systems—faced massive crackdowns after being flagged as major night-driving hazards.
• The Exhibition Ban: Public "roadshows" and enthusiast meets featuring heavily altered vehicles faced immediate judicial intervention, limiting how modifiers can showcase their work.

Cost of customisation: Current directives in Kerala

• License & Financial Risks: Significant structural alterations can trigger an immediate suspension of the driver’s license, alongside a ₹5,000 fine for the vehicle owner.
• Seizure & Cancellation: Vehicles deemed a safety hazard due to modifications risk losing both Registration Certificates (RC) and fitness certifications, requiring a magistrate appearance for resolution.
• The Price of Aesthetics: Auxiliary lighting carries a penalty of ₹500 per additional bulb, with strict mandates against exhaust systems that escalate noise or air pollution.
• Digital Footprint: The scrutiny extends online, with directives ordering the removal of social media content that showcases or promotes illegal vehicle alterations.

For Kerala's world-class custom culture to survive, a clear, standardised framework is desperately needed. Until the state government can successfully negotiate the gap between enthusiast passion and judicial rigidity, Kerala's modified masterpieces will continue to navigate a very fine line between rolling art and legal liability.