Motorcycle modifications banned in Kerala

Kerala High Court has banned two-wheeler modifications in India. They have asked the police and motor vehicles department to take action against modifications being made to motorcycles, including loud silencers and removal of saree guards.

Sometimes motorcyclists decide that the experience of riding and owning a motorcycle can be improved and expanded by modifying their bikes. Some modifications may enhance your experience of riding but sometimes, it can prove to be an inconvenience to others.

Justice V Chitambaresh gave the directive on a petition filed by Francis M C who had filed a petition against a check report that was filed against him, stating that he had violated provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. He had fitted a straight handlebar and replaced the stock silencer with a loud one on his Royal Enfield motorcycle.

"Thunderous noise emanating from motorcycles deafens the ears and also poses a serious health hazard, especially to the ailing and aged commuters on the road. The sound level has to be brought down to the decibel limits prescribed under the Environment Protection Rules, 1986 in order to abate the sound pollution," the judgment said.

The court said shorter handlebars could not be permitted to replace the standard ones as the very equilibrium of the vehicle could be affected. A mudguard-less motorcycle will splash dirt not only on the rider but also on the persons nearby. Theatre-seating with a heavy slant not prescribed by the manufacturer, with the grab-rail for the pillion rider removed, could throw him in the air at the slightest jerk. The removal of the pillion rider's grab-rail or saree guard should not be permitted and the standard glare-free headlight should not be allowed to be replaced with glittering ones, the order said.

There are still no details on the fines, and it remains to be seen whether other states will follow.

Source - Times of India