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Legal vs. Illegal: Which Car & Bike Modifications can Get You a Challan (and What are the Fines)?

Saumya SrivastavaNov 10, 2025

Car and bike modifications are one of the most popular ways to personalise your vehicle, but not all of them are legal in India. Under Section 52 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, unauthorised structural changes can lead to fines of up to ₹5,000 and ₹10,000 for repeat offences. Even failing to update your RC after a legal modification may result in penalties or a suspension of registration.

Here is a quick guide to legal vs. illegal vehicle modifications in India to help you avoid challans.

Contents

4 Illegal Car and Bike Modifications in India
5 Legal Car and Bike Modifications Allowed In India
Sections and Fines Applicable for Illegal Modifications
Bottom Line
Frequently Asked Questions

4 Illegal Car and Bike Modifications in India

Let us go through the illegal vehicle modification rules in India that can lead to hefty e challan on the road:

Any changes to the vehicle which materially affect its form or its registered specifications (i.e., change of chassis, engine, change of dimensions, etc.) are unlawful under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, Section 52.
It is an offence to install loud exhausts or use non-compliant silencers that surpass the allowed noise and emission levels. For instance, during a special drive in Kochi, 1,275 offences were registered, and fines of ₹53 lakh were imposed for breaches of loud exhaust/silencer regulations.
Use of pressure horns or multi-tone horns in excess of the rules' noise limits is illegal. These kinds of horns are under the penalty list. Between 21 May and 11 June 2024, 11,636 motorists were fined for using prohibited silencers or pressure horns, with fines totalling around ₹33 lakh.
The use of dark-tinted windows in areas below the preset legal visible light transmission (VLT) limits (70% on front/rear windscreen and 50% on side windows) is illegal and will attract challans.

5 Legal Car and Bike Modifications Allowed In India

Given below are the key car and bike modifications allowed in India that help avoid fines, whether you are checking e challan UP or traffic challan status in any other state. The legal modifications include:

Any improvements to the car, such as upgrading to alloy wheels and/or tyres within the manufacturer's approved size/weight limits, are generally permitted, provided you do not make any changes to the vehicle's structure or handling. This might result in changes to the specifications shown on the Registration Certificate (RC).
Painting or over-painting/vinyl wrapping is not illegal. You will have to update the RC colour change with the RTO if the colour changes drastically.
Changes that are interior-only, e.g., changing seat cover or dash trims, adding an infotainment system, or changing the car decor lighting, are not legally prohibited. They do not interfere with safety features (such as airbags) or alter the car's dimensions.
You can Add accessories such as CNG/LPG kits upon approval. At the same time, make sure your vehicle still meets the same emissions and safety standards.
A modification that makes the car more comfortable or more appealing to the eye (e.g., roof racks/carriers, extra fog lights) is legal. However, they must be within the stability, weight, and visibility standards (manufacturer or RTO requirements).

Sections and Fines Applicable for Illegal Modifications

If there are any illegal modifications, it might impose hefty fines and even vehicle seizure. Explore the key sections included under the Motor Vehicles Act relating to car modifications:

Section 52: Prevents any authorised alterations to the structure or engine of the vehicle. Any violation is subject to a fine of up to ₹5,000.
Section 182A: Impose penalties for non-compliance with the safety and environmental standards. The fine amount can rise to ₹10,000 for recurrent violations.
Section 53: The vehicle registration is suspended if it's found unsafe for road use after modifications.

Keep your vehicle modifications documented and check your e-challan status in the ACKO app to avoid unwanted and delayed challans. Please note that fines may vary depending on the state and respective enforcement authorities.

Bottom Line

Overall, abiding by the official car modification rules denotes enjoying the upgrade without the headache of getting a challan. Irrespective of whether you are remodelling your car or bike, make sure your changes follow vehicle alteration permission, and your registration certificate reflects those modifications. The government has made it clear that any non-compliance will result in fines or even the cancellation of registration. Abide by the laws and stay safe and secure while driving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it permissible to install an aftermarket sunroof on your car?

No, it is not permissible to install an aftermarket sunroof on your car in India. It is illegal as it affects the complete structure of your vehicle.

Can I make a change in the front grille of my car?

Yes, it is possible to modify the front grille of your car. Ensure such modifications do not affect a radiator's operation.

Can I install big tyres or alloys in my car?

Yes, you can install big tyres or alloys in your car. Also, it should be within the manufacturer's recommended limits and not affect the speedometer's accuracy.