RTO seizes illegally modified truck

In the first action of its kind in the city on modified trucks that are widely used in marriage processions, the Regional Transport Office (RTO) has seized one such truck and sent a notice to the owner to do away with the illegal modifications.

After receiving several complaints from people and the Sound Pollution Board about excessive noise caused by these "DJ trucks", the RTO issued a notification last week that stated serious action would be taken against illegally modified trucks and other vehicles.

Sound move: The modified ‘DJ truck' that was detained by the Regional Transport Office. PIC/KRUNAL GOSAVIu00a0

"According to the Motor Vehicles Act, it is illegal to change the original structure of the vehicle," Regional Transport Officer Arun Yevala said. "For any physical alteration in the vehicle, the person concerned should take permission from the RTO. If the vehicle is carrying heavy sound equipment, then it should be registered under the commercial vehicle category. Many private vehicles and jeeps are used for this DJ purpose, which is illegal."

After the warning, the RTO took action for the first time in the city and detained a modified Tata 402 truck.

"We are taking action against the owner and driver. The procedure in this kind of action is that we detain the truck and order the owner to remove the modification," Deputy RTO Sanjay Dhaygude said.

The RTO has appointed a special squad to identify such trucks and take strict action.

"These DJ trucks create tremendous sound pollution, which irritates the residents. The Pollution Board has prescribed the exact sound level of the vehicle and in case of excessive sound, the RTO can take action," Yevala said.u00a0