Thiruvananthapuram : Kerala MVD issues new directions on vehicle modifications. Colour, engine, chassis, body, fuel and propulsion changes require prior permission and RC updates.The Kerala Motor Vehicles Department (MVD) has issued fresh directions on alterations and modifications that can be carried out on motor vehicles, making it clear that several modifications will require prior permission from the Registering Authority and must be recorded in the vehicle’s Registration Certificate (RC).
The directions were issued by Transport Commissioner G. Sparjan Kumar on October 7, 2026, through Letter No. C1/445/2026-TC. The move follows recommendations of an Alteration Committee constituted to examine commonly undertaken modifications to vehicles.
The department has referred to Section 52 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 and Rule 112 of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules (CMVR). The directions state that alterations or retrofitments, including changes involving fuel, propulsion systems, engines, chassis or body structures, must comply with standards and specifications notified by the Central Government. Such work must be carried out by the vehicle manufacturer, its dealer, a workshop authorised by the State Government or an authorised service station.
The new directions follow representations received from the public regarding permissible vehicle modifications. An Alteration Committee was constituted to examine such modifications, and its report dated September 4, 2026 was subsequently examined by the Transport Commissionerate.
What Vehicle Modifications Are Permitted?
Change of colour:
A vehicle’s colour can be changed only after obtaining permission from the Registering Authority. The new colour must be recorded in the RC. Colours prohibited under CMVR Rule 121 or applicable State Transport Authority decisions cannot be used.
Engine replacement allowed, but engine swapping banned:
Replacement with a new engine of the same manufacturer, type and specifications—including the same model, capacity and power—is permitted with prior approval and must be recorded in the RC. However, the department has specifically stated that engine swapping is strictly prohibited.
Chassis replacement:
A vehicle’s chassis frame may be replaced with a new chassis of the same manufacturer and type, subject to prior permission and compliance with Rule 112. The replacement must also be recorded in the RC. A chassis designed for one type of vehicle cannot be converted for use as another type of vehicle.
Body structure modifications:
Changes to the body structure are permitted only with prior approval and strict compliance with Rule 112 of the CMVR. The approved alteration must be recorded in the RC.
Fuel conversion using an approved retrofit kit:
Changing the fuel system through an approved retrofitment kit is permissible with prior permission. The work must be carried out only by the OEM, the vehicle manufacturer’s dealer, or a workshop/service station authorised by the State Government.
Propulsion system conversion:
Conversion of the propulsion system using an approved conversion kit is also permitted with prior approval. The conversion must comply with conditions and standards notified by the Central Government and must be recorded in the RC.
Conversion into an adapted vehicle:
Vehicles can be converted into adapted vehicles with prior permission under Section 52(2) of the Motor Vehicles Act and Rule 112A of the CMVR. Such work must be carried out by the OEM, the vehicle manufacturer’s dealer, or a workshop/service station authorised by the State Government.
Unauthorised Modifications Will Be Prohibited
The Registering Authorities have been instructed to process applications based on the manufacturer’s specifications and the vehicle’s Type Approval or Prototype Approval. Any permitted alteration must be entered in the RC.
The Transport Commissionerate has also made it clear that alterations not covered by the permitted categories, or modifications carried out without the required permission, are prohibited under Section 52 and will be dealt with under the Motor Vehicles Act.
Officials have further been directed to continue following the provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act and Rules, along with the applicable orders of the Supreme Court and High Court.
The new direction therefore provides a clearer framework for vehicle owners seeking modifications while placing particular emphasis on prior approval, authorised workshops, manufacturer specifications and proper RC documentation.
