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Car modifications are becoming increasing popular among youths these days, according to a Shin Min Daily News report. But, not all modifications are legal. While they are not anything new, there has been a 30 per cent jump in summons issued for illegal modifications compared to 2011.
According to figures from the Land Transport Authority (LTA), an average of 784 summons were issued for illegal modifications in Singapore each month for the first four months of this year. The monthly average for last year was 611 summons issued.
Some of the common illegal vehicle modifications are tinted windows and exhaust pipe systems infringements.
Most customers who modify their cars are youths who do it to express individual identity among other reasons, said Mr Raymond Teo, owner of TTS Motor Group, in an interview with Shin Min Daily News. He added that they would modify the vehicles in a certain preferred style.
The paper also interviewed a few automobile companies which said that 10 per cent of cars received have been illegally modified.
The cost of modifying a vehicle can range from $100 to tens of thousands of dollars.
Experts say that modified cars are 70 per cent more likely to catch fire during a crash compared to cars that have not been modified.
President of the Singapore Vehicle Traders Association, Mr Neo Tiam Ting, said that if mufflers from exhaust pipes are removed, it increases the risk of a fire when drivers rev their engines.
LTA has strict guidelines on what can be modified. Car owners are advised to check the guidelines before modifying their vehicles.
First-time offenders who illegally modify their vehicles face a fine of up to $1,000, or a jail term of up to three months. Repeat offenders will face a fine of up to $2,000, or a jail term of up to six months.
LTA will also take actions against workshops found to be facilitating illegal modifications. For the first offence, owners of such workshops may be fined up to $2,000 or sentenced to three months' jail. For repeat offences, they will face a fine of up to $5,000, or a jail term of up to six months.
natlim@sph.com.sg
When car modification goes too far
Click on thumbnail to view. (Photos: Stomp) |
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Outrageous Japanese cars with a shady history
Click on thumbnail to view. Story continues after photos.
(Photos: Pinktentacle.com) |
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