Bhubaneswar, Sept 17: Ahead of the festive season and Durga Puja, Odisha State Transport Authority (STA) on Wednesday issued a circular banning the use of vehicles with unauthorized structural modifications, especially those altered into DJ or OJ vehicles.

As per the order, all Regional Transport Officers (RTOs) have been directed to take action against modifications that violate the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, and the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989.

Vehicles breaching safety and dimensional standards will face penalties, cancellation of registration and fitness certificates, and possible seizure.

According to the STA, these vehicles often undergo modifications that exceed permissible limits of length, width, height, and rear overhang, compromising manoeuvrability. They commonly feature non-approved high-intensity LED, neon, and laser lights, while retro-reflectors and signalling devices are either missing or poorly maintained. Many also have oversized audio systems exceeding noise limits, obstructive tinted films, and lighting that impairs driver visibility.

RTOs and enforcement units have been directed to intensify checks, especially during nighttime, festivals, and social events.

Violations must be documented with photographic and video evidence, and unsafe vehicles will face immediate action, including the cancellation of their fitness certificates. Awareness campaigns will also be held to educate owners and operators about the risks and penalties linked to these modifications.

Notably, key actions outlined include a ban on aftermarket multi-coloured LEDs, neon, laser, rotating OJ lights, and any non-compliant lighting systems. The installation of amplifiers, mixers, AC-powered lighting rigs, or any conversion of passenger or cargo space into entertainment zones is also prohibited.

Vehicles with such modifications must be marked unfit for operation, and legal action should be taken. Enforcement drives must document modifications with photographic and video evidence of both interior and exterior alterations.

 Field enforcement units will be deployed, especially during nighttime, festivals, and public events. Vehicle owners and operators are to be sensitized on the legal requirements, safety risks, and penalties for unauthorized modifications.

All RTOs and enforcement officers are required to implement these measures immediately, with disciplinary action for non-compliance.