How Modified Silencers & Pressure Horns Can Get You in Trouble

Vehicle modification refers to any cosmetic change or change in the conditions of a vehicle as it was manufactured. Usually, the purpose of these modifications is to improve the appearance or performance of a vehicle. However, before you think of modifying your bike, make sure you have all the information. The reason for this is that not all bike modifications are within traffic rules and regulations. Moreover, making modifications has a major effect on both your bike and when you buy two-wheeler insurance online.

Under Section 190 (2) of the amended MV Act, air and noise pollution caused by your vehicle can be fined up to ₹ 10,000. This amount sed to be ₹ 1,000 under the earlier policy. Traffic police have already started issuing challans for modified silencers along with pressure and multi-tone horns. Among the various types of vehicle modifications, modification to silencers is not allowed. More precisely, the noise of the vehicle should not be higher than 80 decibels.

Why are these modifications not allowed?

• Pressure horn

The government banned pressure horns in the interest of the environment as well as public safety. You must often feel that you cannot focus on driving due to the ceaseless honking of horns on congested roads, pressure horns can cause an even bigger problem. Loud noises contribute to hearing loss and are definitely harmful to both human and animals. Installing horns larger than 100 decibels is prohibited. Hence, installing a pressure horn is something you should avoid.

• Loud exhausts

Horns are not the only part of the bike that are a source of noise. The exhaust or as it is commonly known, the silencer of the bike makes a lot of noise as well. However, manufacturers take measures to make sure the exhausts makes as little noise as possible. On the contrary, most add-on modification exhausts make noise much louder than 100 decibels. Police are keeping a keen eye out for bike owners that use such exhausts. Hence, it is wise to not exhausts that make as much sound as a big rocket and cause trouble to other drivers and pedestrians around you. While they do the job of turning heads and getting people to notice you and your bike, it also draws the attention of the police.

How does making these modifications affect you?

As part of the response to the growing problem of noise pollution, the increased vigilance by the traffic police for people that have made such modifications has been extremely helpful. There are many places in the country that are notoriously known for being filled with bikers that make modifications like high decibel horns and silencers. The police are working tough and in innovative ways. For example, local officers have been instructed to regularly check the market for such illegal changes.

However, that does not solve the problem and bikers continue to cause noise pollution.

Experts believe that noise pollution is not only bad for the environment, but it could also increase the risks on the road and could lead to accidents. Pressure horns and modified silencers distract other motorists, especially senior citizens. Automobile manufacturers need to take measures that do not allow buyers to install modified horns and exhausts.

Two-wheeler insurance

Giving a nice look to your precious vehicle is your effort to have a better riding experience. However, as the aesthetic value of the product increases, so does the risk of theft. This has a direct impact on the two-wheeler insurance premium and, as a result, the insurance company requests a higher rate. As the aesthetic value of your bike increases, so does the market value, resulting in a proportional difference in premium.

On the other hand, some bike modifications do not affect two-wheeler insurance rates even at the time of bike insurance renewal. Some bike modifications, such as an upgraded braking system, crash bars, and increased engine capacity up to 5%, do not increase the premium. In contrast, changes to wheels, suspension are also approved by the insurer and lead to an increase in the minimum premium.

While there are many factors that can affect your two-wheeler insurance premium, do not be afraid to ignore the impact on premiums when you give thumbs up for bike modifications. The most important thing is to notify the insurance company through the bike insurance app in advance of any changes.

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