The High Court of Kerala has issued a directive requiring enforcement officers to upload comprehensive visual evidence of unauthorized vehicle modifications when filing accident reports. The order, passed by a Division Bench consisting of Justice Anil K. Narendran and Justice Muralee Krishna S., stipulates that photographs and videos capturing illegal alterations—such as modifications to engine performance and factory-fitted braking systems—must now be integrated into the electronic Detailed Accident Report (e-DAR) portal. This mandate is intended to ensure that evidence regarding vehicle tampering, which often contributes to the severity of road accidents, is preserved for legal proceedings and insurance claims.

The judicial intervention stems from ongoing suo motu proceedings concerning road safety and the proliferation of non-compliant vehicular modifications. The court’s order addresses a critical gap in documentation, noting that inspecting officers had previously been bypassing the process of uploading visual records to the e-DAR system. By making these uploads mandatory, the bench aims to create a robust, verifiable database that aids the Motor Vehicles Department , the police, and public works authorities in analyzing the impact of illegal modifications on road safety.

Enhancing Enforcement and Accountability The court emphasized that the current regulatory landscape is often undermined by "unauthorized alterations" that directly compromise safety standards. During the proceedings, the bench specifically highlighted that modifications extending beyond manufacturer specifications increase the risk of bodily injury to pedestrians and other road users. Under the new directive, every vehicle inspected after an accident must have its modification details recorded digitally, explicitly identifying any violation of Automotive Industry Standards (AIS) .

The court noted, "We deem it appropriate to direct the 4th respondent, through the concerned Deputy Transport Commissioners, to ensure that vehicle modification details with photographs and videos of vehicles involved in accidents are uploaded through the e-DAR portal by the concerned inspecting officers." This requirement includes documentation of any mechanical changes, such as the installation of unauthorized flame kits, excessive wheel spacers, or high-intensity lighting systems that have been the focus of earlier hearings.

Furthermore, the court addressed the technical limitations of the existing digital infrastructure. The Transport Commissioner reported that while the e-DAR portal allows for the digital storage of visual data, these images do not currently appear on the printed hard copies of accident reports. To rectify this, the court has impleaded the National Informatics Centre (NIC) as an additional respondent. The NIC is expected to provide instructions on resolving this technical glitch and to facilitate the implementation of a photo-upload feature on the VAHAN portal, which is used for fitness certification at Regional Transport Offices .

Safety Standards and Judicial Scrutiny The judicial concern regarding vehicle modifications is rooted in established safety protocols, including AIS-120 , which governs external projections on M1 category passenger vehicles . The bench observed that many aftermarket additions, such as wide tires and auxiliary light arrays, fail to meet these performance requirements and pose significant risks to third parties during a collision. In previous orders, the court had already highlighted the dangers of high-intensity halogen lights and red-blue strobe lights, which can cause temporary visual disorientation for oncoming drivers.

By linking accident documentation directly to these safety standards, the court is shifting the burden of proof in post-accident analysis. If a vehicle involved in an incident exhibits unauthorized modifications, the visual records stored on the e-DAR portal will serve as primary evidence regarding the state of the vehicle at the time of the collision. The court also clarified that, in addition to the penal consequences mandated under Section 182A(4) of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 , such evidence is vital for determining the culpability of vehicle owners who intentionally compromise safety for aesthetic or performance reasons.

Addressing Performance and Braking Tampering Beyond exterior aesthetic modifications, the court has taken a firm stance against internal mechanical tampering. The bench explicitly stated that any unauthorized alterations made to increase engine horsepower or performance, as well as modifications to the manufacturer’s braking systems, must be captured in the accident reports. Rule 96 of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989 , provides specific standards for the strength and stopping distance of braking systems. The court’s order ensures that any deviation from these standards is documented, acknowledging that such changes significantly impede a driver’s ability to control a vehicle during emergency scenarios.

The State Police Chief has been directed to ensure that these protocols are strictly followed by police personnel on the ground. By enforcing compliance in "letter and spirit," the court expects a measurable improvement in the quality of accident investigations and a reduction in the use of vehicles that do not meet public safety requirements. The court underscored that safety is not merely the responsibility of the driver but is a collective obligation supported by accurate enforcement.

The proceedings also touched upon the influence of social media content creators, or "vloggers," who have been observed promoting illegal vehicle modifications in their online videos. The court has repeatedly viewed such content in open court to demonstrate the blatant disregard for safety regulations. These observations have served as the foundation for the current, broader enforcement strategy. By compelling officers to use the e-DAR portal as a comprehensive evidence repository, the court is ensuring that the digital footprints of these modifications are permanently recorded, thereby facilitating long-term regulatory oversight.

The court has scheduled the next hearing for October 28, 2026 , at 2:00 p.m. At that time, the National Informatics Centre and the Transport Department are expected to provide updates on the technical integration of photo-upload capabilities within the VAHAN and e-DAR systems, marking another step in the court's effort to digitize and improve the reliability of road safety enforcement across the state.