Alteration in motor vehicle
AI Assist
Summary
An owner must not alter a vehicle so that its registration particulars differ from those originally specified by the manufacturer. Converting the engine or parts to run on a different fuel or energy source is allowed only by fitting a conversion kit and following prescribed conditions; the Central Government can set specifications or grant exemptions. Unauthorized alterations must be reported to the registering authority within 14 days, and vehicles under hire-purchase need the registered owner’s written consent for any change.
Example
Priya fits a CNG conversion kit to her hatchback so it can run on CNG. If the kit meets the prescribed specifications and conditions she may use it, but if required she must get approvals and update her certificate of registration; if the change was made without approval she must report it to the registering authority within 14 days and send the registration certificate.
Bare Act
Enacted text(1) No owner of a motor vehicle shall so alter the vehicle that the particulars contained in the certificate of registration are at variance with those originally specified by the manufacturer:
Provided that where the owner of a motor vehicle makes modification of the engine, or any part thereof, of a vehicle for facilitating its operation by different type of fuel or source of energy including battery, compressed natural gas, solar power, liquid petroleum gas or any other fuel or source of energy, by fitment of a conversion kit, such modification shall be carried out subject to such conditions as may be prescribed:
Provided further that the Central Government may prescribe specifications, conditions for approval, retrofitment and other related matters for such conversion kits:
Provided also that the Central Government may grant exemption for alteration of vehicles in a manner other than specified above, for any specific purpose.
(2) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-section (1), a State Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, authorise, subject to such conditions as may be specified in the notification, and permit any person owning not less than ten transport vehicles to alter any vehicle owned by him so as to replace the engine thereof with engine of the same make and type, without the approval of registering authority.
(3) Where any alteration has been made in motor vehicle without the approval of registering authority or by reason of replacement of its engine without such approval under sub-section (2), the owner of the vehicle shall, within fourteen days of the making of the alteration, report the alteration to the registering authority within whose jurisdiction he resides and shall forward the certificate of registration to that authority together with the prescribed fee in order that particulars of registration may be entered therein.
(4) A registering authority other than the original registering authority making any such entry shall communicate the details of the entry to the original registering authority.
(5) Subject to the provisions made under sub-sections (1), (2), (3) and (4), no person holding a vehicle under a hire-purchase agreement shall make any alteration to the vehicle except with the written consent of the registered owner.
ExplanationsFor the purposes of this section, “alteration” means a change in the structure of a vehicle which results in a change in its basic feature.
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