Bike Modification Rule: If such modifications have been done in your vehicle without the permission of RTO, which can become a danger to others, then in this case the vehicle can also be seized. Today we will tell you about some important things related to such bike modification, which is very important for you to know.
The trend of two-wheeler modification is increasing day by day. There are more than one form of bikes running on the road. From the silencer to the headline and even the body, people modify the bike, in the language of today’s generation, modification… gives the bike a ‘cool’ look. But there are some fixed rules regarding bike modification and it is also very important to take care of some important things before modifying the motorcycle, so that you do not commit any mistake unknowingly.
What are the rules for bike modification?Â
First of all, let us know that, can you get your motorcycle modified? So the answer is that you can make minor changes to your bike. But for this you have to take permission from your regional transport office. During bike modification, you can use only those parts which are approved and certified by the Automotive Research Authority of India (ARAI).
According to the Motor Vehicle Act, vehicle modification is prohibited and illegal in India. Because changing the structure or body of the vehicle affects the strength of the vehicle, which can become a threat to the driver and other pedestrians or vehicles on the road. Any modification made to a vehicle must be within a prescribed specification.
According to a 2019 ruling by the Supreme Court, vehicles cannot be modified in such a way that they significantly alter the original specifications made by the manufacturer. Such specifications include all those which were added by the manufacturer to the certificate of registration of the vehicle. One such example is that a two-wheeler cannot be modified in any way to carry more than two people. That is, you cannot modify a two-wheeler in such a way that it can seat more than two people. Similarly, the shape, engine and braking system of a vehicle cannot be modified.
Fat challan will be cut, vehicle will be seized:Â
According to the rules, if someone gets such modifications done in his vehicle, which violates the rules, then in this case there is a provision of challan of Rs 5,000 or 6 months in jail. However, it depends on the type of modification done on the vehicle. Apart from this, if such modifications have been done in your vehicle without the permission of RTO, which can become a danger to others, then in this case the vehicle can also be seized. If you make changes in the size, structure, chassis, engine etc. of your vehicle or add an extra wheel, then the vehicle can also be seized.
What Kinds Of Modifications Can Be Done:
According to B&B Associates, you can do some minor modifications to your two-wheeler like engine belly, tail tidy, decals, visor etc. Because such changes do not bring any major difference in the specifications of the vehicle. Apart from this, changes can also be made to the tires but they should be similar to the top-spec variants of the vehicle. Many times it is seen that people unnecessarily use very big wheels in their vehicles which is against the rules.
What can change engines:Â
If the engine of your vehicle is completely damaged or it does not work properly, then in this case you can change the engine. But there is a rule for this also, before changing the engine, you have to take a non-objection certificate from the RTO. Apart from this, after changing the engine, you will have to apply for registration again. As per the rules, both the old and new engines should run on the same fuel. Not only this, you also have to take permission from the RTO to change the color of the vehicle.
Why the rules are strict on modification:Â
As we told you above, the appearance of the vehicle changes due to the modification done in the vehicle. Apart from this, many times people also make unnecessary changes in the structure of the vehicle, which also creates danger for the pedestrians or other vehicles walking on the road. It is also believed that if the vehicle is different from its original registration document, then in this situation even the police find it difficult to identify the vehicle. That’s why there is so much strictness regarding vehicle modification.
Procedure to get permission from RTO:Â
First of all go to the RTO office where your vehicle is registered. Carry the registration paper with you along with the modification done to the vehicle, such as colour, code, part and price quote. Fill the form BTI and BT to apply for vehicle modification. In this form, you will have to give information about what kind of modification you want to get done in your vehicle. Apart from this, if you want to change the color of the vehicle, then you have to get a permission letter for the same from the RTO.
After getting the permission letter from the RTO, take your vehicle to the workshop, after which you can get the modifications mentioned in the form done. But it all does not end here. After getting the modification done in the vehicle, you will have to go to RTO again with your documents, copy of form BTI and vehicle. Here the RTO will make necessary changes in the registration paper of your vehicle on the basis of modification and for this you will also have to pay a fee. In this way, you can legally complete the process of modification of your vehicle.
Approved modifications to be done by a professional:
Though the scope for any heavy-duty modifications has been curtailed to a great extent on the two-wheelers, there are many modifications that you can still make. You can change the color of your vehicle (with permission from the RTO). Similarly, the fitment of minor accessories like decals, visors and engine fairing is still within the legal ambit. But any kind of modification in the vehicle should always be done by a professional, who is also aware of the rules.
Safety and rules should not be compromised:
Many times it is seen that people get such modifications done to give a new look to the vehicle, which not only affects your safety but also violates the rules. For example, some youngsters remove the side mirror from their two-wheeler. Even if they like to do this, but doing so can result in an invoice of around Rs 1,000. Therefore, take full care of the rules and safety at the time of modification.
Give information to the insurance company:Â
When you buy two wheeler insurance online, you must keep in mind that you will have to declare all the modifications beforehand. If you do not declare these modifications, your two-wheeler insurance claim may get rejected after an accident etc. Most of the companies that sell two wheeler insurance online give the option to declare the modification. Similarly, if you do any kind of expensive fitment to your vehicle, then you should get an add-on for the same.
