A Dubai-registered vehicle has caused outrage in Kochi after being seen racing through Edappally with a fire-spewing exhaust that has been tampered with. Loud, thunderous noises and flame of the car immediately raised public interest, with videos spreading like wildfire on social media. The strange sight led the Motor Vehicles Department (MVD) to start an investigation into probable illegal tampering and violations of Indian motor vehicle regulations.
Officialdom suspects the vehicle could be fitted with aftermarket exhaust systems and performance upgrades that not only generate more noise pollution but also are safety hazards. Such upgrades are illegal under current High Court guidelines, which state they are forbidden to do so under Indian law if they tamper with a vehicle’s emission levels or structural integrity.
More attention is now being given to the import status of the car since foreign-registered cars imported into India on a temporary basis are still required to comply with domestic traffic and modification regulations. The MVD is now investigating if the Dubai-plated car received any exemption or clearance, and whether the changes were done prior to or subsequent to its entry into India.
Already, officials have matched footage from traffic cameras and eyewitness accounts to confirm the precise model and owner of the vehicle. In case the probe confirms regulatory violations, the car might be penalized heavily, including being impounded or fined under the Motor Vehicles Act.
This accident has again fuelled the controversy involving altered luxury vehicles and street racing culture in Indian cities. The experts are calling for tighter inspections at ports and closer coordination between state traffic departments and customs authorities to curb illegal imports and foolish driving behaviour on Indian roads.
