MVD permits seven types of vehicle modifications
THE Kerala Motor Vehicles Department (MVD) has permitted seven types of vehicle modifications, subject to prior approval and compliance with the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 and applicable rules.
The order, issued by Transport Commissioner G. Sparjan Kumar, allows modifications involving the vehicle's colour, engine, chassis, body structure, fuel system, propulsion system and conversion into a disability-friendly vehicle. All approved changes must be recorded in the vehicle's Registration Certificate (RC).
The seven permitted modifications are:
Change of colour: A vehicle's colour may be changed with the approval of the registering authority. The new colour must be entered in the RC and cannot be one prohibited under Central Motor Vehicle Rule 121 or applicable State Transport Authority decisions.
Engine replacement: An engine may be replaced only with one from the same manufacturer and having the same specifications, including model, capacity and power. The replacement must comply with the applicable rules and be recorded in the RC. Engine swapping using an engine from another vehicle is not permitted.
Chassis-frame replacement: A damaged chassis frame can be replaced with a new chassis of the same type and from the same manufacturer, subject to prior approval. A chassis designed for one category of vehicle cannot be used to convert it into another type of vehicle.
Body-structure modification: Changes to the body structure are permitted subject to prior approval and strict compliance with Central Motor Vehicle Rule 112. The modification must also be recorded in the RC.
Change of fuel type: Vehicles may be converted from one fuel type to another using an approved retrofitment kit. Such conversion must comply with Section 52 of the Motor Vehicles Act and applicable rules and must be carried out through authorised manufacturers, dealers or government-approved workshops/service stations.
Modification of the propulsion system: Modifications to the propulsion system are permitted, subject to the applicable legal and technical requirements and prior approval from the Transport Department.
Conversion into a disability-friendly vehicle: Vehicles can be modified to make them suitable for persons with disabilities. Such work must be carried out through the vehicle manufacturer, authorised dealer or an approved workshop/service station and must comply with Central Government requirements.
The MVD has made it clear that prior approval is essential. Vehicle owners cannot simply carry out the modifications and seek approval afterwards.
The registering authority will consider applications based on the manufacturer's specifications and the vehicle's type/prototype approval. Approved alterations must be entered in the RC.
Importantly, the order does not legalise unrestricted modifications. Alterations outside the seven permitted categories remain prohibited unless specifically authorised under the applicable law. Modifications such as illegal exhaust systems and other unauthorised alterations can still attract enforcement action.
The decision follows the Kerala government's earlier move to address demands from vehicle enthusiasts for greater freedom to modify vehicles. However, some reports have pointed out that the latest order largely clarifies or reiterates modifications already possible under existing Central Motor Vehicle rules, rather than creating a broad new right to modify vehicles.
For vehicle owners, the key message is simple: modification is not a free-for-all. Get approval from the MVD/RTO first, use permitted components or authorised facilities where required, and ensure the approved change is recorded in the RC.
