Vehicle modification: Not just Gen Z craze, off-roaders saved lives in disasters that shook Kerala

The Kerala government has recently taken steps to clarify which vehicle modifications are legal. However, the move has reignited a much deeper debate. While the Motor Vehicles Department (MVD) has listed 18 permitted changes—such as interior lighting and dash cams—the response has been cold. Younger motorists on social media feel the list offers nothing new, as many of these items were already common practice.

However, this is not merely a modern trend or a "Gen Z" grievance. For years, the off-road community has argued that the current strict rules ignore the vital role their modified machines play during state emergencies.

The lifeline of the floods

The debate is rooted in the history of Kerala’s natural disasters. During the catastrophic 2018 floods and the more recent landslides in Wayanad, standard vehicles were often useless against rising water and broken terrain. Modified off-roaders became the primary lifeline. Equipped with "snorkels"—air intakes fitted at roof height—these vehicles could drive through deep water without the engines failing.

In hilly districts like Idukki and Pathanamthitta, these machines navigated muddy, mountainous tracks to reach isolated families when official help was still hours away. They carried out hundreds of rescues and even helped transport victims through terrain where conventional transport could not go. Despite this, once the waters receded, the very tools that saved lives were often deemed illegal under current laws.

The outlaw hero paradox

Those who operate these vehicles claim they face a confusing double standard. Authorities often call upon off-road clubs to help winch police vehicles from accident sites or assist in disaster relief. Yet, once the crisis ends, the same owners are frequently targeted by enforcement squads.

The costs are high. Owners have reported spending large sums to repair damage sustained during rescue missions, only to be met with heavy fines on the road. One owner even chose to sell their vehicle after being penalised following volunteer work. The owners say they are treated like "outlaws" for upgrades they believe make their vehicles safer and more capable for handling difficult terrain.

Demands for practical reform

The off-road community has not been asking for a total lack of regulation. Instead, they have long demanded a policy that distinguishes between "unsafe" modifications—like loud exhausts or tyres that stick out too far—and "responsible upgrades". They propose that items like power steering, better brakes, and winches should be viewed as safety improvements rather than illegal alterations.

Their core demand remains the establishment of a formal protective policy. They have suggested that the government conduct specialised fitness tests where unsafe parts can be removed while allowing essential rescue equipment. As the state continues to discuss new frameworks, some argue that a more flexible approach is needed to ensure these "heavy engines" are ready when the next disaster strikes