Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala government has initiated steps towards relaxing regulations governing vehicle modifications, a move that gained significant attention after promises made during the recent Assembly election campaign. The State Transport Commissioner has submitted a report outlining modifications that could be permitted without prior approval from the Motor Vehicles Department (MVD), with the government expected to take a final decision after reviewing the recommendations.
The proposed changes are being closely watched, particularly by young vehicle enthusiasts who have long sought greater flexibility in personalising their vehicles within legal limits.
Report recommends 18 permissible modifications
According to the report submitted by the Transport Commissioner, vehicle owners may be allowed to carry out 18 categories of modifications without obtaining prior permission from the MVD.
The recommended list includes accessories and additions such as seat covers, floor mats, steering wheel covers, dashboard cameras, reverse cameras, parking sensors, GPS tracking devices and roof carriers.
The report also proposes allowing vehicle owners to display stickers, graphics and decorative designs of their choice, provided they are appropriate for public display and do not violate any laws or regulations.
Additionally, the recommendations include permission for installing extra speakers and additional lights, subject to compliance with safety norms.
Existing restrictions remain on major alterations
While the report proposes some relaxation for cosmetic and accessory-related modifications, it does not significantly alter existing regulations concerning major structural changes.
Vehicle owners wishing to change the colour of their vehicles will still be required to obtain approval from the Regional Transport Office (RTO), pay the prescribed fee and update the details in the vehicle’s Registration Certificate (RC).
Similarly, prior approval will continue to be mandatory for modifications such as installing CNG or LPG fuel systems, converting internal combustion engine vehicles into electric vehicles, replacing engines, modifying the chassis or adapting vehicles for persons with disabilities.
Officials indicated that these restrictions remain necessary to ensure road safety and maintain regulatory compliance.
Sun films already permitted under court guidelines
The report largely reinforces existing legal provisions in several areas.
The previous government had already permitted the use of sun-control films following a Kerala High Court ruling that allowed approved sun films with prescribed visibility standards.
Under the guidelines, front and rear windshields must maintain at least 70 per cent visibility, while side windows must have a minimum visibility of 50 per cent.
As a result, the latest recommendations do not represent a major shift in policy regarding window films.
New technologies raise fresh questions
The growing popularity of new vehicle protection technologies has also drawn attention to gaps in current regulations.
One such example is Paint Protection Film (PPF), a transparent layer applied to vehicle surfaces to protect paint from scratches, weather damage and fading.
Recently, coloured variants of PPF have entered the market, enabling owners to change a vehicle’s appearance without repainting it.
However, such products remain legally contentious because Indian regulations require official approval for any change in a vehicle’s registered colour.
Industry stakeholders believe the Centre may eventually need to issue updated guidelines addressing emerging automotive technologies and accessories.
Election promise fuels public interest
The issue of vehicle modifications became a major topic of discussion during the Assembly election campaign after Chief Minister V. D. Satheesan responded positively to a question regarding modifications.
A video of the interaction gained widespread attention on social media, particularly among younger voters and automotive enthusiasts.
Satheesan had indicated that modifications that do not pose safety risks should be permitted, describing them as aspirations of the youth.
Following his elevation as Chief Minister, public interest in the issue increased further, with many vehicle owners expecting policy reforms.
Legal framework remains unchanged
Despite the proposed relaxations, vehicle modifications in India continue to be governed by the provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.
Section 52 of the Act restricts vehicle owners from making alterations that result in a mismatch between the vehicle’s registered specifications and the manufacturer’s original specifications.
Any significant modifications affecting the engine, fuel system or structural components require compliance with prescribed standards and approval from the relevant authorities.
Legal experts note that any substantial changes to modification regulations must remain consistent with central legislation.
Government faces expectations from youth
The state government’s final decision on the Transport Commissioner’s report is expected to attract considerable attention from vehicle owners across Kerala.
Supporters of the proposed changes argue that reasonable modifications should be permitted as long as they do not compromise safety or environmental standards.
At the same time, authorities must balance public demand with regulatory requirements and road safety considerations.
As the government examines the recommendations, many vehicle enthusiasts are awaiting clarity on whether Kerala will become one of the first states to formally ease restrictions on a wide range of vehicle modifications.