Kerala High-Court cracks down on Bike Modifications

The High Court of Kerala has taken strict action against modifications being done on motorcycles. They have asked the concerned department to take action against the motorcyclists who’s bikes have loud silencers and if the saree guard has been removed from their bikes. 

There are a large number of youngsters who are getting their motorcycles modified to improve its looks and riding comfort. Some of the modifications are useful and purpose built while some create an inconvenience to others. 

Justice V Chitambaresh gave a directive against the petition filed by a guy from Kochi, who had fitted a straight handlebar and replaced the stock silencer with a loud one on his Royal Enfield bike. He has been rescinded by the Court for violating provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. 

As per the judgement, “Thunderous noise emanating from motorcycles deafens the ears and also poses a serious health hazard, especially to the ailing and aged commuters on the road. The sound level has to be brought down to the decibel limits prescribed under the Environment (Protection) Rules, 1986 in order to abate the sound pollution.”

As per the noise pollution rules, the 1986 rule stipulates 80 decibels as the noise limit for scooters and motorcycles. The motor vehicles department hasn’t done any test to verify if the decibel level of the silencer is above the legal limit. The court also stated that replacing the standard handlebar with a shorter one can affect the equilibrium of the vehicle and the absence of mud guard will splash the dirt on the rider as well as the persons moving nearby. Moreover, the removal of the saree guard and the pillion rider’s grab handle is not permitted and the stock glare-free headlight shouldn’t be replaced with shining ones.

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