Lucknow: A modified silencer on your motorcycle will cost you a fine of Rs 5,000 under the Motor Vehicles Act.The drive against modified accessories being used on vehicles is already under way since April 17.So far, most vehicles found flouting norms have been Bullet motorcycles.The drive has its special focus on checking vehicles that cause noise pollution on roads. A noisy motor vehicle may be slapped with a fine of Rs 10,000 under Section 190(2) of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.Acting on the directives of the high court, the transport department, in collaboration with the traffic police, has initiated action against vehicles causing noise pollution by using modified silencers, hooters, sirens and pressure horns or multi-tone horns.The action is also being taken against shopkeepers and showroom owners selling these modified accessories to people and workshops and garages fitting them on vehicles.In two days of the drive, challans (fines) were issued for 33 vehicles equipped with modified silencers, and 9 vehicles were impounded at the police station.Additionally, letters were served to the proprietors of approximately 20 shops selling vehicle spare parts located in Lalbagh, apprising them of the provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act, said RTO (Enforcement), Lucknow, Prabhat Pandey.“They were also directed to attend a meeting scheduled for Monday, April 20, at the RTO office in Transport Nagar,” he added.Meanwhile, the department is also installing hoardings at designated key locations to promote public awareness, and preparations are under way to disseminate information through pamphlets, said the official.Under relevant sections of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, there is a provision to impose a maximum imprisonment of one year or a fine of Rs 1 lakh on proprietors of garages and workshops involved in the sale or installation of modified silencers, hooters, sirens and multi-tone horns.
