Police crack down on motorcycles with illegal modifications; 400 riders booked in three days

The operation, launched jointly by the Pune traffic branch and local police stations, is being carried out across all 30 police station jurisdictions

In a bid to curb noise pollution and reckless riding, the Pune police have launched ‘Operation Modification’, a citywide crackdown on motorcycles fitted with modified silencers, pressure horns, black-tinted window films, and other unauthorised alterations. Within just three days, the police have booked as many as 400 two-wheeler riders, collected nearly ₹5 lakh in fines, and seized 100 modified silencers; signalling a zero-tolerance approach towards traffic violations that inconvenience the public and disrupt peace.

According to police officials, the drive was initiated following a surge in citizens’ complaints regarding deafening exhaust noise generated by motorcycles fitted with modified silencers among others. (HT)

The operation, launched jointly by the Pune traffic branch and local police stations, is being carried out across all 30 police station jurisdictions. Special enforcement teams have been deployed at major traffic junctions and on arterial roads where vehicles are being stopped at random and inspected for modifications that violate the Motor Vehicles Act.

According to police officials, the drive was initiated following a surge in citizens’ complaints regarding deafening exhaust noise generated by motorcycles fitted with modified silencers among others. Patients, senior citizens, students and residents living along busy roads repeatedly complain that such vehicles disturb public peace, especially during late-night hours. Besides modified silencers, the drive also targets vehicles fitted with pressure horns, black window films and other illegal modifications that compromise road safety and violate traffic regulations.

Additional commissioner of police (traffic) Sanjay Darade said that the objective is to restore discipline on city roads and reduce noise pollution. “We have launched a special drive against vehicles fitted with modified silencers and other unauthorised modifications. Action will also be taken against shopkeepers selling such silencers and garages installing them. Citizens can send photographs or videos of such violations to the traffic police through our official platforms,” Darade said. The police have warned that workshops and garages found carrying out illegal vehicle modifications will also face action. Officials said that mechanics and shopkeepers facilitating such modifications are equally responsible for violations and will not be spared. Additional commissioner of police Manoj Patil said that the campaign reflects Pune police’s commitment towards enforcing traffic laws and protecting citizens from avoidable nuisance. “Operation Modification is not merely an enforcement drive but an effort to ensure safer and more peaceful roads for every citizen. Illegal modified silencers create noise pollution, disturb residents and encourage reckless behaviour. We will continue strict action against offenders, garages and suppliers involved in such illegal activities. Citizens should cooperate with the police and report violations so that together, we can make Pune’s roads safer and quieter,” Patil said.

The police have identified several areas, including Nana Peth, Swargate, Hadapsar and Wagholi where illegal vehicle modifications are commonly carried out. Special teams have been directed to conduct surprise inspections in these localities and initiate action against garages involved in such activities. Traffic officials said that the drive will continue in the coming weeks with intensified checks during evenings and weekends, when such violations are more common. Repeat offenders may face stricter legal action, including seizure of vehicles wherever permitted under the law.