Vehicle modifications: Kerala MVD fines 7,360 since UDF govt took office, collects ₹5.7 crore

Palakkad: The Motor Vehicles Department (MVD) has collected ₹5.7 crore in fines for vehicle modifications in Kerala since the new UDF government came to power. A total of 7,360 people were fined between May, when the government assumed office, and August 25.

According to Right to Information (RTI) records obtained from the MVD, action was taken against 15,784 vehicles for modifications in 2026. Challans imposing fines totalling ₹12.66 crore were issued.

Following a court directive, a fine of ₹5,000 for each unauthorised modification was made mandatory. Over the past six years, action has been taken against 1.04 lakh vehicles, with fines totalling ₹145 crore imposed.

Motorcycles, scooters and buses account for most of the vehicles found to have been modified, the RTI records show. Some vehicles were found to have as many as four unauthorised modifications. Common violations include fitting larger wheels, changing a vehicle's colour without permission and installing additional equipment.

The MVD has currently identified seven types of modifications that can be permitted, subject to the applicable rules. These include changing a vehicle's colour with the change recorded in the registration certificate (RC), replacing the engine, changing the chassis and frame, and modifying vehicles to make them accessible to persons with disabilities.
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₹19.62 crore in fines yet to be collected

The department is yet to collect ₹19.62 crore in fines imposed for vehicle modifications between 2021 and 2025. During this period, ₹113 crore was collected in fines. Of the outstanding amount, ₹5.26 crore relates to 2024 alone.