Legal Action Against Vehicles With Dangerous Modifications and Noisy Exhausts

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka Police have announced that legal action will be taken against vehicles fitted with dangerous modifications and excessively noisy exhaust systems, citing growing concerns over road safety, public nuisance, and traffic regulation compliance.

In a statement issued by the Police Media Division, authorities said it has been observed that a number of vehicles operating on roads across the country have been illegally modified and are being driven without the required fitness or roadworthiness certificates. Police noted that some of these vehicles contain hazardous components and unauthorised alterations that increase the risk of accidents while posing danger, inconvenience, and disturbance to passengers and other road users.

According to recent analyses of road traffic accidents, a significant number of buses involved in accidents were found to have undergone unauthorised structural modifications and lacked valid fitness certificates at the time of operation.

The police further highlighted concerns over vehicle owners altering original exhaust systems by replacing silencers, modifying designs, or installing additional components that generate excessively loud, unpleasant, or distorted noise. Such practices, police said, cause serious public disturbance and contribute to noise pollution.

Under the Motor Traffic Act and related regulations, it is unlawful to install dangerous or unauthorised components in vehicles, fit flashing or additional lights of various colours without approval, use non-standard horns, alter the original colour or design of a vehicle, display unauthorised pictures, decals or advertisements, or modify the manufacturer’s original vehicle structure or appearance without legal approval.

The law also requires that all vehicles operated on public roads be maintained in a condition that does not cause danger, annoyance, injury, or damage to passengers, other road users, nearby vehicles, or surrounding property.

Police have also called on the public to report vehicles emitting excessive black smoke.

Complaints can be made via WhatsApp to 070 3500525 by providing the vehicle registration number along with the date, time, and location of the incident.

The Sri Lanka Police urged all vehicle owners and drivers to ensure full compliance with legal requirements governing vehicle maintenance and modifications before operating their vehicles on public roads.

Authorities said traffic enforcement operations are being continuously carried out across the island to strictly enforce these laws, with the aim of safeguarding lives, reducing public nuisance, and ensuring safe and orderly use of the road network.