Illegal crash guards on cars: Mumbai RTO, police will fine offenders

According to RTO officials, fitment of crash guards is considered an illegal alternation to vehicles, and the minimum fine for the offence is Rs500.

If you are yet to remove the crash guards fitted on the front or rear end of your vehicles, you may face action from the Regional Transport Office (RTO) or traffic police.

Also known as bull bars, the crash guards are rods that are installed in the front and rear of cars to protect its bumpers, radiator, and headlights. (HT File)

Acting on the directive issued by ministry of road transport and highways (MORTH) last month, the flying squads of RTOs and traffic cops have begun slapping fines on the motorists.

According to RTO officials, fitment of crash guards is considered an illegal alternation to vehicles, and the minimum fine for the offence is Rs500.

The MORTH has asked all state governments to take stern action against unauthorised fitment of crash guards or bull bars on vehicles.

“The fitment of crash guards/bull bars on vehicles poses serious safety threats to pedestrians as well as occupants of the vehicle,” states the directive.

Majority of vehicles plying on the roads are fitted with the crash guards made up of iron, steel or aluminum, to avoid scratches or damage to vehicles, especially the engine.

Road safety experts said these metal parts can pose a serious threat to pedestrians in case of accidents.

“When a bull guard comes in contact with the pedestrian, the amount of kinetic energy discharged is much higher than which a human body can sustain. And hence, chances of such accidents leading to fatalities are higher,” said Yogesh Ambe, road safety expert at Bloomberg Initiative for Global Road Safety.

According to RTO officials, drivers misjudge the dimensions of the vehicles due to the guards. “It is misconception that crash guards save vehicles from heavy damages. On the contrary, the vehicles suffer heavy damages,” said an RTO official.

AL Quadros, who heads the Mumbai Taximen’s Union, said he plans to write to the traffic department about the issue. “The crash guards or bull bars are fitted to protect the engine and other parts of the vehicle in case of accidents. Hence, instead of taking action, the transport department should define the size of these guards,” said Quadros.