The Meghalaya Transport Department has warned vehicle owners and transport operators against unauthorized vehicle body modifications and the operation of vehicles without valid documents, saying strict enforcement drives will soon be intensified across the state. In public notices issued on May 20, the office of the Commissioner of Transport stated that several light, medium and heavy goods vehicles have been found operating with illegal extensions in length, width and height beyond manufacturer-approved specifications. According to the department, such alterations violate provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 and the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, while also posing serious road safety risks and affecting the structural stability of vehicles.
Vehicle owners and operators have been directed to restore modified vehicle bodies to their original approved dimensions. Owners purchasing chassis- only vehicles for trucks or buses have also been instructed to obtain approval from the concerned District Transport Officer before undertaking body construction works. The department also raised concern over vehicles operating without valid statutory documents,
particularly in border arons and vulnerable routes.