Rs 1 lakh fine slapped on illegally modified Thar in Himachal’s Mandi

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MANDI (Munish Sood)

In probably the highest such penalty, the Himachal Pradesh Police have sent a strong message against illegal vehicle modifications by slapping a record fine of Rs 1,05,500 on a Thar owner in Mandi district.
The action underscored the state’s commitment to enforcing road safety and upholding the law, setting a new benchmark for traffic regulation in the region, said a police official.
The incident, which took place a month ago, involved a heavily modified Thar with oversized tyres, lacking essential documents like registration certificate (RC) and pollution certificate.
The driver’s failure to comply with the law resulted in what is now being hailed as the largest fine ever imposed by the Himachal Pradesh Police.

1 lakh penalty for unauthorised modifications

The total fine of Rs 1,05,500 was imposed under multiple violations, including Rs 1 lakh for unauthorised modifications to the vehicle, including oversized tyres; Rs 5,000 for failing to present a valid pollution certificate and Rs 500 for not possessing the RC.
The hefty fine has not only caught the attention of the locals, but has sparked discussions about the need for stricter enforcement of traffic laws.

Crackdown on illegal modifications

The traffic police in Mandi had stopped the Thar for a routine inspection. Upon investigation, it was found that the vehicle had undergone unauthorised modifications, altering its original specifications and posing potential safety risks.
Moreover, the driver reportedly misbehaved with the police, leading to the seizure of all vehicle documents.
Mandi SP Sakshi Verma confirmed the incident, stating, “This action was necessary to ensure that no one flouts the rules. Unauthorised vehicle modifications are not only illegal but also endanger lives.”

Why this action matters

Illegal vehicle modifications are a growing concern in India, with many owners prioritising aesthetics and performance over safety.
Such changes, including oversised tyres and engine tweaks, can compromise the vehicle’s stability, braking efficiency and environmental compliance.
Under the Indian Motor Vehicles Act, no vehicle can be modified without prior approval. This includes changes to engine capacity, tyre size or even the colour of the vehicle. Violators can face hefty penalty, as in the case of the Thar owner.

MUNISH SOOD

MUNISH SOOD

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