From ST interactive site..hmmm.....
Fewer caught for illegal car modifications
Drop due to stiffer penalties and LTA's approval of some modifications
By Christopher Tan
Oct 31, 2005
The Straits Times
FEWER motorists are being caught with illegally souped-up vehicles, thanks to hefty penalties and more liberal rules allowing some tinkering with cars.
In the first nine months of the year, 1,056 vehicles were rounded up for illegal modifications, according to the Land Transport Authority (LTA). This was down from 1,211 and 2,296 over same periods in 2004 and 2003 respectively.
Common illegal modifications include changes to the vehicle exhaust system, engine, vehicle lighting and windscreens.
'There has been a decreasing trend in the number of vehicles caught with illegal modifications in the past few years,' an LTA spokesman said.
Illegal modifications carry hefty penalties, such as a jail term of up to three months for first-timers and six months for repeat offenders.
Industry sources said some motorists take steps to avoid being caught. For instance, they remove modified components when their cars are sent for inspections, and reinstall them afterwards.
But changes to the rules might be another reason for the drop in numbers.
About three years ago, the LTA began allowing some modifications - as long as they meet required standards.
Last year, 1,033 applications to replace exhaust systems were approved. So far this year, another 1,638 such applications were given the green light.
The guidelines on vehicle modifications are available in the Modification Guide at www.onemotoring.com.sg. People can also call the LTA hotline on 1800-225-5582.
Motorists generally welcome the leeway.
Business consultant and car enthusiast K.W. Tham, 60, said: 'Compared with the barriers put up before, this is a good thing. It's also pro-enterprise, it encourages the growth of a sizeable industry that many young people can go into.'
Some road users, however, are less tolerant of cars with flashy accessories or which deviate from the norm.
Since the LTA relaxed the stand on tinted windows 16 months ago, allowing tints that block out up to 75 per cent of light, there has been a proliferation of cars with darkened windows, especially parallel imports.
The Straits Times understands the authority has been getting complaints from drivers who say they cannot see what goes on in such cars, especially at night. Some say these cars are a safety hazard because drivers cannot gauge traffic conditions ahead.
To this point, the authority has this message: 'Always keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front.
Fewer caught for illegal car modifications
Drop due to stiffer penalties and LTA's approval of some modifications
By Christopher Tan
Oct 31, 2005
The Straits Times
FEWER motorists are being caught with illegally souped-up vehicles, thanks to hefty penalties and more liberal rules allowing some tinkering with cars.
In the first nine months of the year, 1,056 vehicles were rounded up for illegal modifications, according to the Land Transport Authority (LTA). This was down from 1,211 and 2,296 over same periods in 2004 and 2003 respectively.
Common illegal modifications include changes to the vehicle exhaust system, engine, vehicle lighting and windscreens.
'There has been a decreasing trend in the number of vehicles caught with illegal modifications in the past few years,' an LTA spokesman said.
Illegal modifications carry hefty penalties, such as a jail term of up to three months for first-timers and six months for repeat offenders.
Industry sources said some motorists take steps to avoid being caught. For instance, they remove modified components when their cars are sent for inspections, and reinstall them afterwards.
But changes to the rules might be another reason for the drop in numbers.
About three years ago, the LTA began allowing some modifications - as long as they meet required standards.
Last year, 1,033 applications to replace exhaust systems were approved. So far this year, another 1,638 such applications were given the green light.
The guidelines on vehicle modifications are available in the Modification Guide at www.onemotoring.com.sg. People can also call the LTA hotline on 1800-225-5582.
Motorists generally welcome the leeway.
Business consultant and car enthusiast K.W. Tham, 60, said: 'Compared with the barriers put up before, this is a good thing. It's also pro-enterprise, it encourages the growth of a sizeable industry that many young people can go into.'
Some road users, however, are less tolerant of cars with flashy accessories or which deviate from the norm.
Since the LTA relaxed the stand on tinted windows 16 months ago, allowing tints that block out up to 75 per cent of light, there has been a proliferation of cars with darkened windows, especially parallel imports.
The Straits Times understands the authority has been getting complaints from drivers who say they cannot see what goes on in such cars, especially at night. Some say these cars are a safety hazard because drivers cannot gauge traffic conditions ahead.
To this point, the authority has this message: 'Always keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front.
