Kerala student fined ₹1.1 lakh for illegal car modifications in Bengaluru

A Kerala student in Bengaluru was fined ₹1.11 lakh for illegal car modifications; his ₹70,000 vehicle posed safety risks with loud noise and flame exhaust

A Kerala student faced heavy penalties in Bengaluru after authorities discovered his car had been illegally modified, creating noise and safety hazards on city roads.

The incident surfaced in early January when videos of the vehicle went viral on social media. The footage showed the car producing deafening sounds and shooting flames from its exhaust while being driven along Hennur Road in northeast Bengaluru. Alarmed passers‑by alerted traffic police, who traced the vehicle and referred the case to the Yelahanka Regional Transport Office (RTO).

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

Investigations revealed that the 2002 model car, valued at around ₹70,000, had undergone extensive illegal alterations. Officials found a tampered silencer that generated sparks and excessive noise, among other modifications. These changes were deemed serious violations of the Motor Vehicles Act, going beyond cosmetic adjustments and posing risks to public safety.

Authorities decided to impose the maximum penalty allowed under law rather than treating the case as a routine traffic offence. The student was fined ₹1,11,500, which he paid before the vehicle was released.

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Officials explained that the fine was intentionally higher than the car’s market value to serve as a deterrent. The aim was to send a strong message that illegal modifications, especially those endangering lives, would not be tolerated.

The case highlights Bengaluru’s growing challenge with modified vehicles that disrupt traffic and compromise safety. Enforcement agencies are increasingly relying on public complaints and viral videos to identify offenders and ensure compliance with road safety rules.

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