The newly formed government led by Chief Minister VD Satheesan is moving to fulfill its pre-election promise to vehicle enthusiasts by allowing various vehicle modifications in Kerala. The Motor Vehicles Department (MVD) has prepared a proposal listing 18 types of modifications that can be done without prior permission, while certain major alterations will be permitted with official approval and registration certificate (RC) updates. The final decision on the matter will be made after receiving the government’s official nod.

According to the transport commissioner’s study report, minor changes such as installing seat covers, floor mats, dash cams, reverse cameras, GPS trackers, roof carriers, up to 50% transparent sun films, and decent body stickers will not require prior sanction. However, major changes like changing the vehicle’s color, retrofitting LPG/CNG kits, making the vehicle physically-challenged friendly, converting to electric, or changing the engine and chassis frame will require special permission, fee payment, and mandatory recording in the RC book.

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Despite the government’s proactive stance, legal experts point out significant hurdles due to existing central laws and Supreme Court rulings. Section 52 of the Motor Vehicles Act 1988 restricts modifications beyond manufacturer specifications, and a landmark 2019 Supreme Court ruling overturned a Kerala High Court order that had previously favored modifications. Observers are keenly watching how the state government plans to legally navigate these central regulations and court mandates, especially since unauthorized modifications can also lead to the denial of insurance claims.