Road Safety First: Jammu DM Prohibits Unauthorized Vehicle Accessories

JAMMU, AUGUST 4:  In a decisive move aimed at enhancing road safety and curbing illegal vehicle alterations, the District Magistrate of Jammu has imposed a complete ban on the sale and purchase of vehicle modification accessories deemed unauthorized under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. The directive, which came into immediate effect, targets a range of items often used to alter manufacturer-approved specifications, sparking anxiety among accessory dealers and manufacturers across the district.

According to the order, all activities involving the sale, purchase, storage, distribution, and display of motor vehicle accessories that may facilitate unauthorized modifications are now prohibited within Jammu district. The administration cited Section 52 of the Motor Vehicles Act to underline the illegality of such modifications, which often compromise the structural integrity and safety of vehicles.

The prohibited accessories include, but are not limited to, oversized tires, pressure horns, metallic bumpers, high-intensity halogen lights, tinted or reflective films, modified exhausts, and roof rail spoilers, all of which are commonly used to alter vehicles for aesthetic or performance enhancements. The order highlights that these modifications not only contravene legal guidelines but also pose serious risks to passengers, pedestrians, and fellow motorists by affecting roadworthiness and vehicle control.

To ensure strict enforcement, the District Magistrate has directed the Senior Superintendent of Police (Jammu) and the Senior Superintendent of Police (Traffic) to collaborate with field officers. A joint inspection committee, comprising the local Tehsildar, Station House Officer (SHO), District Transport Inspector (DTI), and RTO representatives, will carry out regular inspections and submit fortnightly compliance reports to the District Magistrate’s office.

Violators, whether individuals or commercial establishments, face penal action under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, as well as the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. Moreover, any accessory materials found in breach of the order will be subject to seizure.

While the administration justifies the ban as a necessary step for public safety and legal enforcement, the order has stirred unease among vehicle accessory dealers and manufacturers, who claim they are being unfairly penalized for selling legal products. “Instead of cracking down on illegal modifications being carried out by end users or garages, the authorities are targeting our businesses and treating us as offenders,” said a concerned dealer, requesting anonymity.

The business community is urging the government to adopt a more nuanced approach—focusing on enforcement at modification outlets and checkpoints rather than a blanket ban that affects legitimate trade. They argue that accessories in themselves are not illegal unless installed in violation of norms, and therefore, a distinction must be drawn between sale and misuse.

The issue has also raised questions about the need for public awareness campaigns, better guidelines, and clarity for both consumers and businesses about what constitutes legal vs. unauthorized modifications.

As the administration tightens its grip on road safety norms, this latest order reflects growing official concern over vehicular alterations that endanger public safety.