Legalizing safe vehicle modifications
സുരക്ഷിതമായ വാഹന രൂപമാറ്റങ്ങൾ നിയമവിധേയമാക്കൽ
Manifesto promised to permit non-hazardous vehicle customization. Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan reaffirmed the commitment right after the swearing-in ceremony, stating 'If we have promised to legalize, it will be done.'
📄 Verbatim — UDF Manifesto 2026
“Permit non-hazardous vehicle customization and relax Motor Vehicle Department () rules for non-dangerous structural or cosmetic modifications.”
Evidence & Timeline
The State Transport Commissioner submitted a detailed report proposing 18 minor, non-hazardous vehicle modifications (such as TPMS, sun films with 50% transparency, dash cams, tow hooks, roof carriers, and door visors) that can be done without prior MVD approval. Government is currently reviewing the proposal, which drew mixed reactions from motor enthusiasts who feel the items were already practically permissible.
CM Satheesan directed the Transport Ministry and MVD to draft safe, standardized guidelines for legalizing 'safe' and 'non-hazardous' vehicle modifications, fulfilling a prominent campaign commitment. While MVD continues enforcing existing strict rules under the central CMV Act until the state rules are finalized, an active inter-departmental legal committee has been constituted to frame the draft policy.
CM V.D. Satheesan's candid response to the vehicle modification legalization question went viral, with his statement 'If we have promised to legalise it, it will be done' earning him the nickname 'PookieCM' online.
Right after the swearing-in ceremony, CM V.D. Satheesan reaffirmed the commitment, stating: 'If we have promised to legalize, it will be done.'
Manifesto promised to permit non-hazardous vehicle customization.
Unofficial. Not affiliated with the Election Commission of India, Government of Kerala, or any political party. Independent citizen-maintained ledger.