Transport, traffic department in ‘slumber’
Arjumand Wani
PULWAMA : In an attempt to enhance their vehicles’ aesthetics, many youngsters install extra modified lights, reducing visibility for other motorists during nighttime drives.
Mir Bari, a young biker from Pulwama, described an alarming incident during his ride. He was riding his motorcycle in the evening when a Piaggio load carrier with a modified high beam LED on its roof appeared on the road, rendering the narrow road invisible.
“I felt like my bike’s headlight wasn’t working, leaving me in severe anxiety about getting hit by the three-wheeled vehicle,” he said.
He further added that many vehicles in the area, especially Piaggio load carriers, disregard road safety by making these illegal modifications, putting others’ lives at risk.
When contacted, ARTO Pulwama, Basharat Mehmood stated that vehicles with illegal modifications have their licenses cancelled during fitness checks. “Every extra light on any vehicle is considered illegal,” he emphasised.
When questioned about why they continue to use these modifications, he mentioned that the traffic police take action against them when detected.
Guidelines:
The Supreme Court introduced specific legal guidelines in 2019 concerning vehicles, which include the following prohibited modifications:
1. Tinted window glass with less than 50% visibility
2. Using oversized alloy wheels
3. Installing loud and fancy horns
4. Using designer registration plates
5. Installing loud exhaust pipes
6. Modifying lights beyond permissible guidelines, such as replacing halogen lights with white LED lights (Note: Colors like blue, green, or red for car headlights are not allowed).
