Modifying a car or bike can help you put your own personality into your vehicle, but certain aftermarket modifications can put you in trouble when pulling in to your driveway. Recent raids have been targeting black films, fancy number plates and missing HSRP plates. A September 2026 raid in Pimpri-Chinchwad saw hundreds of challans issued out, including those for HSRP plates, fancy registration numbers and unauthorised black films.

 

This has proven to be particularly relevant in Maharashtra. Following a special inspection drive executed by the Pimpri-Chinchwad RTO from September 1 to 15, 2026, 395 challans have been issued for various violations. The drive consisted of checking vehicles for unauthorised black films, fancy or incorrectly displayed registration numbers and vehicles without High-Security Registration Plates (HSRP). Of these, 275 challans were for vehicles without HSRP plates and 59 challans were for fancy or unauthorised registration numbers.

 

The action serves as a reminder that vehicle modifications are not solely aesthetic. It is important for number plates to be identifieable, vehicle glass must comply with applicable requirements and modifications should not adversely impact the vehicle's prescribed safety or other standards. Therefore before effecting an aftermarket modification, owners should understand the rules applicable to their vehicle and location.

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What Modifies Can Pose A Problem?

  • Black Films: Unauthorised dark films are a definite no-no as they can potentially reduce the visibility as prescribed by the traffic police and attract enforcement action.

 

  • Fancy Number Plates: Any kind of fancy design or font or even plates that obscure the registration number are a definite no-no.

 

  • Modified Exhausts: Aftermarket exhausts might also get you a fine if there's an issue with noise levels or other applicable standards.

 

  • Before you go and modify your vehicle, make sure it's up to the standards set by the traffic police.

What If I Already Have A Challan?

 

A standard challan check can keep vehicle owners informed of any pending challans. A challan check app can make it even easier when cross-referencing information using a smartphone. MyMotor offers vehicle related services, including challan check, RC, insurance and PUC related information. A recent discussion on Themler also speaks about checking pending traffic challans in India and lists down both MyMotor and MyMotor Challan Check App as options for checking all vehicle related information.

Don't Overlook Your Challan Status

The Medium article "No One Tells You an e-Challan Exists Till It’s Too Late" speaks about how vehicle owners aren't notified about challans and why a regular challan check can be useful. Similarly, a Sugermint article that talks about how technology is making vehicle ownership easier discusses how technology is making most aspects of vehicle ownership easier.

Check Before You Modify

Before you add that modified exhaust, black film, fancy plate or any other accessory, make sure that it meets all the standards. A regular challan check can then ensure that you're always up to date with any pending challans.