Mysuru: City police have booked cases against 378 two-wheelers for using defective and illegal silencers and seized the modified parts during a special enforcement drive conducted as part of National Road Safety Month in January. Officials said all the seized silencers were later destroyed in a supervised exercise near a traffic police station as a deterrent measure and to send a strong message against noise pollution and unsafe vehicle modifications.
According to traffic police officials, the special drive targeted vehicles fitted with high-decibel, modified exhaust systems that violate prescribed norms under the Motor Vehicles Act. Such silencers are often altered to produce loud explosive sounds, causing disturbance to the public and posing risks on the road.
Silencers seized across multiple traffic limits
Police said the enforcement drive was carried out across several traffic police station limits, with teams conducting roadside inspections, patrol checks and naka points to identify violators.
During the month-long operation, defective silencers were seized from vehicles across different jurisdictions. A total of 26 vehicles were booked in Devaraja traffic limits, 59 in K.R. traffic limits, 50 in N.R. traffic limits, and 43 in Siddarthanagar traffic limits. The highest number of cases — 200 — were registered under V.V. Puram traffic police station limits.
All cases were booked under relevant provisions of the Indian Motor Vehicles Act dealing with unauthorised vehicle modifications, noise pollution and violation of technical standards. Police clarified that in each case, the defective silencer was removed and confiscated on the spot before allowing further vehicle movement.
Seized silencers destroyed as warning measure
After completion of documentation and legal formalities, the confiscated silencers were destroyed in a public enforcement action conducted near Siddarthanagar Traffic Police Station. Officials said the destruction drive was intended to demonstrate zero tolerance towards illegal vehicle modifications and to discourage repeat violations.
Traffic officers noted that many young riders install modified exhaust systems to create loud noise, often believing it adds style or road presence. However, such modifications not only break the law but also contribute to noise pollution, disturb residential neighbourhoods and distract other road users.
Police said awareness messages were also shared with riders during the drive, explaining permitted standards and the penalties for violations.
Crackdown on wheeling and stunt riding continues
Along with action against defective silencers, traffic police have also intensified checks against dangerous stunt riding, commonly known as wheeling. This practice involves lifting the front wheel of a motorcycle while riding and is considered highly risky for both the rider and others on the road.
So far this year, four cases of wheeling have been registered, including three in Siddarthanagar traffic limits and one in V.V. Puram limits. Police said such acts are usually detected through patrol teams and public complaints, and in some cases through CCTV footage.
Officials also shared last year’s figures to highlight continued enforcement. A total of 15 wheeling cases were booked in 2025 across traffic divisions — one each in Devaraja and N.R. limits, four in K.R. limits, four in Siddarthanagar limits and five in V.V. Puram limits.
Vehicles involved in wheeling are typically seized and riders are booked under multiple sections, including dangerous driving and endangering public safety.
Commissioner reiterates zero-tolerance approach
City Police Commissioner Seema Latkar said the department will continue sustained drives against traffic violations, with special focus on illegal silencers, stunt riding and reckless behaviour on roads.
She stated that enforcement will be combined with public awareness efforts so that vehicle users understand that safety norms are not merely regulatory hurdles but essential protections for everyone using the road.
According to senior officers, modified silencers can also affect vehicle balance and engine performance, apart from breaching permitted sound levels. Continuous exposure to high noise levels can cause stress and health issues for the public, especially children and the elderly.
Conclusion
Traffic police said similar special drives will be repeated periodically, not limited to road safety campaigns alone. With rising vehicle numbers and increasing modification trends, authorities believe strict enforcement, visible penalties and public education are necessary to ensure safer and quieter roads. Riders have been urged to keep their vehicles compliant and avoid unlawful alterations.