Ludhiana Police Declares Zero Tolerance for Modified Vehicles
Residents of Ludhiana have long been known for their unique passion for customizing their vehicles, often spending huge sums to alter high-end cars and motorcycles. However, this trend is now under official scrutiny. Starting Tuesday, the Ludhiana police has launched a stringent special challan drive targeting all such illegally modified vehicles across the state.
High Court Order Triggers State-Wide Crackdown
The decisive police action comes directly in the wake of the Punjab and Haryana High Court imposing a fine on the Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) for failing to take action against these vehicles. Special DGP for traffic and road safety, Amardeep Singh Rai, held a critical meeting with SPs and DSPs from all districts in Ludhiana to outline the campaign. He emphasized a zero-tolerance approach, stating that any modification made to a vehicle after its clearance under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, is a violation.
Amardeep Singh Rai clarified the types of modifications that will be penalized. The list includes:
- Using unauthorized LED lights.
- Fitting oversized tyres and rims.
- Installing loud or special horns.
- Changing silencers on two-wheelers to create an explosive sound.
He also confirmed that not just vehicle owners, but even the garages and shops involved in the illegal vehicle modification business will face legal action for being part of this unlawful practice.
Ludhiana: A Hub for Vehicle Customization Faces the Heat
While the drive is statewide, Ludhiana is a particular focus area as it is considered a hub for this activity. The city's youngsters are frequently seen on Royal Enfield motorcycles with modified silencers that create a loud, explosive noise, causing a nuisance. Similarly, cars with bloated tyres and flashy LED lights are a common sight. Gurpreet Kaur Purewal, ADCP-Traffic, noted that in Ludhiana, people predominantly modify their cars with flashing LED lights, hooters, and bigger tyres, while bike riders change silencers for a louder exhaust note.
This is not the first time action has been proposed against unconventional vehicles. In 2022, the Punjab government directed officials to act against Jugad rehris—improvised carts with bike engines used by daily wagers. That order was later revoked due to public resentment over its impact on livelihoods. However, ADCP Purewal clarified that Ludhiana does not have many such motor-carts currently.
The new campaign signals a firm stance by the authorities, aiming to bring all vehicles in line with the legal standards of the Motor Vehicles Act and improve overall road safety.
