Illegal vehicle modifications on the rise
By Valerie Chang | Posted: 28 July 2012 2219 hrs
Singapore traffic (File picture)
SINGAPORE: Car owners carrying out illegal modifications are on the rise.
The Land Transport Authority (LTA) said there's been an almost 30 per cent jump in the number from 2011.
Between January and April this year, the number of summons issued by LTA averages at 784 each month, compared to a monthly average of 611 last year.
Some of the most common illegal vehicle modifications are tinted windows and lighting infringements.
Drivers who modify their cars call it their "interest" and "passion".
There is even a car show and competition just to flaunt the many flashy modifications.
But such a hobby does not come cheap as it can amount to tens of thousands of dollars.
Experts Channel NewsAsia spoke to said these modifications done illegally can be dangerous.
The probability of an illegally modified car going up in flames after encountering an impact has a 70 per cent higher risk relative to cars that did not undergo any illegal modifications.
Also, the illegal modifications can cause damage to the car in the long run.
Owner of Hanip Automobiles, Hanip Abdul, said: "You (the car) lose a lot of power; there're a lot of unburnt gas coming out from (the car's) gaspipe. There're a lot of things happening to your car. Eventually you see that your car (has) no power, outside concession very high. These are (what) they call wrong illegal modifications."
He further added that it is not advisable to carry out any illegal modifications as every car has been designed to its optimum condition.
Nevertheless, not all modifications are illegal.
Motorists who wish to modify their vehicles are advised to check with the LTA or look up the guidelines.
For first-time offenders who illegally modify their vehicles, they face a fine of up to S$1,000, or a jail term of up to three months.
Repeat offenders will face a fine of up to S$2,000, or a jail term of up to six months.
The LTA will also take actions against workshops found to be facilitating illegal modifications.
Such workshops will face a fine of up to S$2,000, or a jail term of up to three months, for the first offence; and a fine of up to S$5,000, or a jail term of up to six months for repeat offences.
- CNA/ck
