Are you someone who loves to get their vehicles modified? If the answer is in the affirmative, think twice as you might attract a hefty fine just like this Kerala student who has to pay Rs 1.11 lakh to the Yelahanka Regional Transport Office (RTO) in Bengaluru.
The Kannur-based engineering students was planning for a flashy New Year celebration, hoping to gain traction on social media but ended up paying a lot more in fine than what he had paid while buying the car.
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Fine more than car's purchase price
The student had purchased a 2002 Honda City for around Rs 70,000 in 2022 and got it modified into an eye-catching spectacle. The car underwent many unauthorised modifications which included changes in its mechanical parts, graffiti branding reading "Banger" and a tampered exhaust system.
However, the most dangerous and striking modification was its fire-spitting exhaust, which emitted flames. This feature is strictly illegal under Indian Motor Vehicle laws due to fire and road safety risks.
New Year celebrations gone wrong
To ring in the New Year, the student drove his modified car to Bengaluru and posted several reels on Instagram showing the vehicle spitting flames through the bustling city roads. The videos gained online attention, leading to some even filing complaints citing excessive noise, safety risks and public nuisance.
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Vehicle tracked
In response to the complaints, the Bengaluru Traffic Police traced the car to Bhartiya City in northeast Bengaluru. The car violated several traffic and motor regulations, the police noted.
"Fire from the exhaust? Expect the cost. Public roads aren’t stunt posts," Bengaluru Traffic Police said on X.
The latter part of the translated post says, "Public roads are not the place to perform stunts. It is illegal to modify your vehicle's exhaust to create sparks or fire. Remember, you will have to pay a price for your stunts."
The department also shared a video of the vehicle spitting flames and the official letter from the RTO which shows the fine of Rs 1,11,500.
Fire-Spitting Car Turns Bengaluru Roads into Circus: Reckless Youth Slapped with ₹1.11 Lakh Fine, Vehicle Seized
 Karnataka Portfolio (@karnatakaportf) January 15, 2026
In a strong message against reckless behaviour and illegal vehicle modifications, the Bengaluru Traffic Police seized a car and imposed a hefty fine of ₹1.11 lakh… pic.twitter.com/Bwp7KdNXn0
Legality of vehicle modifications
According to Section 52 of the The Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, "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."
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"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," it adds.
