Bhubaneswar: The Odisha State Transport Authority (STA) has issued a stern warning and launched a statewide crackdown on illegally modified vehicles—commonly referred to as “DJ vehicles”—which are being operated for celebratory or commercial purposes in clear violation of road safety laws.
These vehicles, often used in processions, weddings, and public events, have become a growing concern due to their hazardous modifications and blatant disregard for safety norms.
According to the circular, the STA highlighted an alarming rise in the number of such vehicles, including various types of vans, buses, and trailers that have been structurally altered and fitted with high-wattage sound systems, laser lights, and unauthorised accessories. These modifications, the STA noted, are in blatant contravention of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, and the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, posing serious risks to road safety.
The circular lists several types of violations commonly observed in these vehicles. Among the most critical are structural alterations that exceed legal limits for height, width, and rear overhang—severely compromising the vehicle’s stability and maneuverability. Additionally, many of these vehicles are equipped with non-approved, high-intensity multi-coloured LED lights, neon lighting, and laser beams, which are not only visually disruptive to other drivers but also violate safety regulations under AIS-008 (Automotive Industry Standards).
The use of excessively loud audio systems—often rated at several thousand watts PMPO—along with amplifiers, mixers, and air-powered lighting setups has been flagged as another serious violation.
According to the STA, these DJ setups not only distract the driver but also create an environment where crucial auditory signals, such as emergency vehicle horns or train warnings, can go unheard.
Another concerning issue raised by the STA is the obstruction of driver visibility due to tinted films, sliding curtains, banners, and interior lighting fixtures. These visual obstructions are not only illegal but significantly increase the risk of accidents, especially during nighttime operations or on poorly lit rural roads.
In some instances, the vehicle interiors have been transformed into pseudo-dance floors, complete with rotating lights, smoke machines, and strobe effects—all of which severely impair the driver’s ability to operate the vehicle safely. Such conditions contribute to driver fatigue, disorientation, and distraction, particularly during long routes or late-night drives.
The Transport Authority cited several recent incidents to underscore the growing threat posed by these modified vehicles. In May 2025, a DJ van operating in Cuttack caught fire due to a short circuit in its AC-powered lighting system, resulting in serious burn injuries to two passengers. Earlier, in March 2024, a DJ bus en route to a wedding procession overturned in Bargarh district after the driver lost orientation due to chaotic internal lighting—injuring 15 people, including children.
In a particularly tragic case from November 2023, a fatal collision occurred near Ganjam, where a DJ vehicle outfitted with blinding blue strobe lights collided with a two-wheeler on National Highway 16. The incident resulted in the deaths of two individuals and reignited demands for stricter enforcement.
The STA emphasised that these vehicles pose a direct threat not only to passengers but also to pedestrians, cyclists, motorists, and the general public. Their continued operation undermines the State Government’s efforts to improve road safety, enforce traffic discipline, and reduce road accidents across Odisha.
Moreover, the use of such modified vehicles during celebratory events sends a harmful message to the public, especially the youth, and contradicts the broader goals of the State’s flagship road safety initiative, “COME HOME SAFE.” This campaign promotes safe driving habits, legal compliance, and shared responsibility among all road users to ensure everyone reaches home safely.
In response to these growing concerns, the STA has issued a series of strict enforcement directives to all Regional Transport Officers (RTOs) and enforcement personnel. The key instructions include:
- Immediate legal action against any vehicles found in violation of AIS-008, AIS-052, or Section 52 of the Motor Vehicles Act.
- Penal action under Section 190(2) and Section 182A(4) for the use of altered vehicles in public spaces.
- Cancellation of the vehicle’s Fitness Certificate under Section 56(4) if found unsafe or illegally modified.
- Complete prohibition of aftermarket laser, neon, and multicoloured LED lights, as well as rotating DJ lights that do not conform to prescribed standards.
- A ban on DJ audio systems, amplifiers, mixers, laser lights, or any modifications that convert a vehicle’s cabin or trailer into an entertainment zone.
During both routine and special enforcement drives, officers have been instructed to document violations using photographs and video footage—covering both the interior and exterior of the vehicles—to strengthen legal proceedings.
To ensure more effective enforcement, the STA has ordered enhanced field deployment during nighttime hours, festive seasons, and community events where such vehicles are commonly used. Enforcement officers have been directed to remain vigilant and proactive in identifying and prosecuting violations.
Simultaneously, awareness campaigns will be conducted for vehicle owners and operators, educating them about the risks, legal implications, and safety standards related to vehicle modifications.
In addition to enforcement, the STA has issued a public advisory urging citizens to exercise caution when hiring or traveling in contract carriages—particularly those used for celebratory purposes. People are advised to verify that the vehicles are duly registered, structurally unaltered, and compliant with safety regulations.
Organisers of weddings, religious processions, and public functions are strongly encouraged to avoid hiring DJ vehicles that are illegally modified or equipped with high-intensity lighting and sound systems.
Parents, guardians, and community leaders are also being asked to take a proactive role in discouraging youth from hiring or riding in such unsafe vehicles.
The STA has appealed to all road users to report instances of unsafe or modified vehicles through official transport department helplines or by contacting the nearest RTO or enforcement authority.
“All road users are encouraged to report any instances of unsafe or modified vehicles to the nearest transport enforcement authority or through the official helplines published by the department. The cooperation of the public is essential in ensuring that our roads remain safe, orderly, and free from unnecessary hazards,” the circular noted.
