By Imteshal Karim

Copyright odishatv

The Odisha State Transport Authority STA has issued a circular prohibiting the use of vehicles with unauthorised structural modifications particularly those converted into DJ or OJ vehicles.
The order directs all Regional Transport Officers RTOs to act against alterations that violate provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act 1988 and the Central Motor Vehicles Rules 1989. Any vehicles found breaching safety and dimensional standards will face penalties cancellation of registration and fitness certificates and seizure.
Violations Under Scrutiny
According to the STA such vehicles often undergo alterations that exceed permissible limits of length width height and rear overhang severely affecting manoeuvrability.
Non-approved high-intensity LED neon and laser lights are frequently installed while retro-reflectors and signalling devices are either absent or poorly maintained. Many are also fitted with oversized audio systems producing sound beyond prescribed limits obstructive tinted films and lighting arrangements that impair driver visibility.
ALSO READBhubaneswar-Cuttack-Puri-Paradip corridor to be driver behind Odishas growth NITI Aayogs Anna Roy
Directions To Enforcement Officers
RTOs and enforcement units have been instructed to intensify checks particularly during night hours festivals and social events.
Violations are to be documented with photographic and video evidence with vehicles deemed unsafe being immediately acted upon. Fitness certificates of such vehicles will be cancelled.
Awareness drives will also be conducted to inform owners and operators about the risks and penalties associated with these modifications.
Key Actions Listed
No aftermarket multi-coloured LED neon laser rotating OJ lights or any non-compliant lighting system.
Amplifiers mixers AC-powered lighting rigs any installation converting passenger or cargo space into entertainment zones.
All vehicles with banned installations must be marked unfit for operation and appropriate action taken under law.
All enforcement drives must capture photographic and video evidence of interior and exterior modifications.
Field enforcement units must be deployed particularly during night hours festivals and public events.
Vehicle owners and operators must be sensitised on legal compliance safety risks and penalties for unauthorised modifications.
All RTOs and enforcement officers must adhere to these instructions immediately with disciplinary action for non-compliance.