In a decisive move aimed at enhancing road safety, the District Magistrate of Jammu has issued a sweeping ban on the sale, purchase, and display of accessories used in unauthorized vehicle modifications. This sudden directive has sent shockwaves across the auto-accessory market, with traders and manufacturers expressing serious concerns over potential harassment by enforcement agencies.
DM Jammu Issues Ban on Vehicle Modification Accessories
As per the official order, all activities related to accessories meant for illegal vehicle modification — including storage, distribution, and sale — are now strictly prohibited within the territorial limits of District Jammu. This ban has been implemented under Section 52 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, which restricts modifications that alter a vehicle’s original specifications and compromise roadworthiness.
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The order took immediate effect, catching many traders and workshop owners off-guard.
What Accessories Are Banned?
The banned items include a wide range of aftermarket components commonly used in vehicle customization:
- Oversized tyres
- Pressure horns
- High-intensity halogen and LED lights
- Metallic bumpers
- Tinted or reflective window films
- Roof rail spoilers
- Modified exhaust systems
- Any fittings that alter the manufacturer’s specifications
These accessories, according to the District Magistrate, pose a serious threat to passenger and pedestrian safety by undermining the vehicle’s original safety mechanisms.
Strict Enforcement Measures in Place
To ensure effective implementation of the order, the District Magistrate has instructed both the Senior Superintendent of Police (Jammu) and the Senior Superintendent of Police (Traffic Jammu) to take action in coordination with local field officers.
Additionally, a joint committee has been formed, consisting of:
- The concerned Tehsildar
- Station House Officer (SHO)
- District Transport Inspector (DTI)
- Representatives from the RTO office
This committee will carry out regular inspections across the district and is required to submit fortnightly compliance reports to the District Magistrate’s office.
Violators Will Face Strict Penalties
The order warns that any individual, firm, or establishment found violating the ban will face legal consequences under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, as well as the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. Moreover, all prohibited materials found will be seized without exception.
This stern warning has raised alarm bells among local dealers who fear being penalized for simply stocking accessories — even if they aren’t directly involved in unauthorized modifications.
Dealers Raise Alarm Over Business Impact
While the intent behind the order may be public safety, dealers and manufacturers in Jammu are panicking. Many argue that they are being unfairly targeted, even though they have no control over how customers use the products.
“Instead of acting against the actual violators who modify vehicles illegally, the administration is cracking down on legitimate businesses,” said one worried dealer.
“This move could cripple our operations and lead to job losses across the sector.”
There is growing demand from the business community to reassess the order and differentiate between legal and illegal use of accessories, rather than issuing a blanket ban.
The Jammu administration’s move highlights a broader national conversation around vehicle safety, regulation, and the automotive aftermarket industry. While the objective is to curb dangerous road practices, the current enforcement approach may have unintended consequences on small businesses and accessory dealers.
All eyes are now on how the authorities handle enforcement and whether any relief will be offered to legitimate business owners.
