A Kerala student was fined ₹1.11 lakh in Bengaluru for driving a car with an illegally modified exhaust that emitted flames, officials said on Tuesday. The penalty was imposed by the Yelahanka Regional
Transport Office.
A video shared by the Bengaluru City Traffic Police shows bursts of fire shooting out of the vehicle’s exhaust—an illegal modification under Indian motor vehicle rules. The clip then displays a receipt confirming a fine of ₹1,11,500, before ending with a police officer standing beside the seized car.
“Fire from the exhaust? Expect the cost. Public roads aren’t stunt posts,” the traffic police wrote while sharing the video. In another message, the department warned that modifying vehicles to produce sparks or flames is illegal and poses safety risks to other road users.
Fire from the exhaust? Expect the cost. Public roads aren’t stunt posts.
ಸಾರ್ವಜನಿಕ ರಸ್ತೆಗಳು ಸ್ಟಂಟ್ ಮಾಡುವ ಜಾಗವಲ್ಲ. ನಿಮ್ಮ ವಾಹನದ ಎಕ್ಸಾಸ್ಟ್ (Exhaust) ಮಾರ್ಪಡಿಸಿ ಕಿಡಿ ಅಥವಾ ಬೆಂಕಿ ಹೊರಬರುವಂತೆ ಮಾಡುವುದು ಕಾನೂನುಬಾಹಿರ. ನಿಮ್ಮ ಸಾಹಸಕ್ಕೆ ತಕ್ಕ ಬೆಲೆ ತೆರಬೇಕಾಗುತ್ತದೆ ಎಂಬುದು ನೆನಪಿರಲಿ.#NoStunts… pic.twitter.com/c6cJOShJaW
— ಬೆಂಗಳೂರು ಸಂಚಾರ ಪೊಲೀಸ್ BengaluruTrafficPolice (@blrcitytraffic) January 15, 2026
Are Car Modifications Legal in India?
Car modifications are permitted in India, but only within strict limits. Any alteration that compromises safety, increases noise or emissions, or changes the vehicle’s original structure without approval is illegal.
Legal modifications include:
- ECU remapping, provided emission norms are met and PUC tests are cleared (though warranties may be voided).
- Performance components like air filters or internal engine parts, as long as noise and emission limits are not exceeded.
- Suspension changes, if ground clearance remains within acceptable limits.
- RTO-approved aftermarket CNG kits, with updates reflected in the registration certificate.
- Adaptations for persons with disabilities, registered as “Adapted Vehicles.”
- Body wraps that retain the original colour; colour changes require RTO approval (Army Green is prohibited).
- Bolt-on body kits, provided they do not affect the chassis or safety systems.
Illegal modifications include:
- Loud aftermarket exhausts exceeding permitted decibel limits.
- Rooftop or auxiliary lights causing glare or mounted above allowed heights.
- Engine swaps without RTO approval and RC updates.
- Pressure or air horns.
- Dark window tints below legal visibility limits.
- Bull bars or crash guards that interfere with safety features.
- Structural alterations without ARAI approval.
- Fancy or altered number plates, as only high-security plates are permitted.
Authorities have reiterated that public roads are not meant for stunts and warned that strict action will continue against illegal vehicle modifications.
