Record ₹1 Lakh Fine Imposed on Modified Alto Car in Himachal Pradesh

Significant Traffic Fine in Hamirpur

Munish Sood
Mandi

In a notable enforcement action, the Hamirpur Police have levied a remarkable ₹1 lakh fine on the driver of an Alto car due to illegal modifications. This penalty is being recognized as one of the highest traffic fines ever recorded by the district police and stands out as one of the largest in the history of Himachal Pradesh.

The case has drawn considerable attention, particularly since the typical market price for an Alto is around ₹4 lakh, with second-hand versions available for as low as ₹1 lakh. Consequently, the fine has left many residents astonished, as it nearly equals the resale value of the vehicle.

This enforcement occurred during a targeted inspection at Gandhi Chowk, where officers discovered the car equipped with unauthorized tires and alterations to its original body structure. Authorities indicated that these modifications were executed without the necessary approval from the Regional Transport Office (RTO) or any authorized body.

The driver has been charged under Section 182A(1) of the Motor Vehicle Act, which addresses unlawful vehicle modifications.

Balbir Singh, the Superintendent of Police in Hamirpur, emphasized that such modifications are not only illegal but also pose significant risks to road safety. He stated, “Unauthorized alterations present a serious danger on the roads. We will not tolerate traffic violations, and rigorous enforcement operations will persist.”

This incident has ignited a broader discussion, as such a hefty fine is uncommon in the region.

It is worth noting that a similar high-value fine was previously issued in Sundernagar (Mandi district), where a Thar vehicle was fined ₹1.05 lakh on December 5, 2024, at Dhanotu. That incident also stirred controversy, leading to claims of retaliatory measures, and the vehicle owner subsequently met with the SP.

Hamirpur police have reiterated their call for drivers to refrain from illegal modifications, highlighting that traffic regulations are in place to ensure public safety, not merely to impose fines.

According to Indian motor vehicle regulations, modifications such as oversized tires, pressure horns, high-intensity LED lights, altered silencers, engine modifications, or structural changes made without RTO consent are illegal and can incur substantial penalties.

The Hamirpur Police have cautioned that special enforcement drives will continue, and anyone found in violation of these rules will face strict legal repercussions.