A Dubai-registered car has come under scrutiny in Kochi after being spotted with a modified exhaust system that emitted flames while driving in Edappally. The spectacle, including loud noises, quickly captured the public’s attention, leading to widespread sharing of videos on social media. This prompted the Motor Vehicles Department (MVD) to launch an investigation to determine if the car violated Indian motor vehicle regulations. The MVD suspects that the vehicle may have been fitted with aftermarket exhaust systems and performance enhancements, which are considered illegal under current High Court guidelines because they can increase noise pollution and potentially compromise safety. The investigation will also focus on the car’s import status. Even if the vehicle was imported into India temporarily, it is still required to meet domestic traffic and modification regulations. The MVD is trying to determine if any exemptions or clearances were given to the Dubai-plated car and if any modifications occurred before or after its entry into India. Officials are using traffic camera footage and eyewitness accounts to identify the vehicle and its owner. If violations are confirmed, the car could face serious penalties, including being impounded or fined under the Motor Vehicles Act. This incident once again brings up the subject of modified luxury vehicles and street racing culture in Indian cities. Experts believe tighter port inspections and better cooperation between state traffic departments and customs agencies are needed to stop illegal vehicle imports and dangerous driving behaviors.
