Ahead of Durga Puja, Odisha STA bans modified DJ vehicles; RTOs to face music for non-enforcement

The Odisha State Transport Authority (STA) has issued a circular prohibiting the use of vehicles with unauthorised structural modifications, particularly those converted into DJ or OJ vehicles.

The order directs all Regional Transport Officers (RTOs) to act against alterations that violate provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, and the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989. Any vehicles found breaching safety and dimensional standards will face penalties, cancellation of registration and fitness certificates, and seizure.

Violations Under Scrutiny

According to the STA, such vehicles often undergo alterations that exceed permissible limits of length, width, height, and rear overhang, severely affecting manoeuvrability.

Non-approved high-intensity LED, neon, and laser lights are frequently installed, while retro-reflectors and signalling devices are either absent or poorly maintained. Many are also fitted with oversized audio systems producing sound beyond prescribed limits, obstructive tinted films, and lighting arrangements that impair driver visibility.

ALSO READ: Bhubaneswar-Cuttack-Puri-Paradip corridor to be driver behind Odisha's growth: NITI Aayog's Anna Roy

Directions To Enforcement Officers

RTOs and enforcement units have been instructed to intensify checks, particularly during night hours, festivals, and social events.

Violations are to be documented with photographic and video evidence, with vehicles deemed unsafe being immediately acted upon. Fitness certificates of such vehicles will be cancelled. 

Awareness drives will also be conducted to inform owners and operators about the risks and penalties associated with these modifications.

Key Actions Listed:

• No aftermarket multi-coloured LED, neon, laser, rotating OJ lights, or any non-compliant lighting system.

• Amplifiers, mixers, AC-powered lighting rigs, any installation converting passenger or cargo space into entertainment zones.

• All vehicles with banned installations must be marked unfit for operation and appropriate action taken under law.

• All enforcement drives must capture photographic and video evidence of interior and exterior modifications.

• Field enforcement units must be deployed, particularly during night hours, festivals, and public events.

• Vehicle owners and operators must be sensitised on legal compliance, safety risks, and penalties for unauthorised modifications.

• All RTOs and enforcement officers must adhere to these instructions immediately, with disciplinary action for non-compliance.