Prayagraj Police Seize 11 Motorcycles With Illegal Pressure Horns And Modified Silencers

PRAYAGRAJ: Civil Lines police in Prayagraj seized 11 motorcycles on Friday during an intensive enforcement drive targeting two-wheelers fitted with illegal pressure horns and modified silencers. The action, initiated under the Motor Vehicles Act, aims to curb the excessively loud noise generated by these unauthorized modifications. "Excessively loud, firecracker-like noise produced by such pressure horns and modified silencers causes inconvenience to the public," police said in a statement.

The crackdown in Prayagraj reflects a broader, ongoing effort by traffic authorities across India to regulate vehicle modifications and curb noise pollution. In recent months, police forces in cities like Jaipur and Haridwar have launched similar stringent drives. For instance, authorities in Jaipur took strict action against bikers using oversized modified silencers, while Haridwar police seized uniquely modified motorcycles, including one fitted with nearly 100 horns during the Kanwar Yatra and another with 500 horns. These extreme modifications not only violate traffic regulations but also severely degrade the acoustic environment of urban and pilgrimage spaces.

According to the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, and the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, vehicles are strictly prohibited from using extra or very loud aftermarket horns. The law mandates that a two-wheeler must only be equipped with the standard horn provided by the manufacturer, with the permissible sound limit capped at approximately 100 to 105 decibels. Bikers found violating these norms face penalties ranging from Rs 1,000 to Rs 2,000, and authorities possess the legal authority to seize the vehicles if the modifications are deemed excessively loud. During the Friday drive, Civil Lines police explicitly urged all two-wheeler owners to ensure their horns and silencers comply with prescribed statutory norms to avoid legal action and vehicle impoundment.

The strict enforcement of these rules highlights the growing friction between automotive customization culture and urban civic responsibility. While aftermarket modifications remain popular among certain rider demographics for aesthetic and auditory appeal, the resulting noise pollution poses documented health risks, including hearing impairment, sleep disturbance, and increased stress levels in densely populated areas. By shifting from mere verbal warnings to the active seizure of vehicles, traffic police are signaling a zero-tolerance approach to non-compliant modifications, aiming to restore peace to residential and commercial zones.

Looking ahead, traffic authorities in Prayagraj are expected to sustain these enforcement drives, particularly in high-traffic corridors and during evening hours when such modifications are most frequently misused. Riders are strongly advised to revert to original equipment manufacturer components to ensure smooth transit without the risk of heavy fines or the loss of their vehicles. The administration has also set up dedicated helplines for citizens to report instances of excessive honking and vehicle modification in their neighborhoods.