A joyride meant to grab eyeballs ended up burning a hole in the pocket of a Kerala-based student in Bengaluru, after traffic authorities cracked down on
his illegally modified car that was spewing flames from its exhaust. The incident came to light after the student took the altered vehicle out on public roads, drawing attention for all the wrong reasons. The car had been modified to emit sparks and fire from the exhaust, a feature strictly prohibited under motor vehicle rules. Following action by the authorities, the student was slapped with a hefty penalty of Rs 1.11 lakh, which he paid at the Yelahanka Regional Transport Office (RTO). Bengaluru Traffic Police made it clear that public roads are not a stage for stunts or dangerous displays. Officials reiterated that modifying a vehicle’s exhaust to produce flames or sparks is illegal and poses a serious risk to public safety. They also warned that anyone found indulging in such acts would face strict consequences, signalling zero tolerance for reckless behaviour.
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
To underline the action taken, the traffic department shared the video of the incident on social media documenting the case. The clip showed flames shooting out of the car’s exhaust, followed by an official communication from the RTO addressed to the police. The video also displayed the fine receipt amounting to Rs 1,11,500. In the final frames, a police officer was seen standing beside the modified vehicle, reinforcing the message that such violations will not be ignored.
The crackdown drew widespread approval online, with many users applauding the firm stance taken by the authorities. One social media user commented, “Glad that you stayed firm and fined maximum penalty. It's time to be very strict against violations.” Another added, “Great work Bengaluru Traffic Police.”
