Hyderabad: Despite a 2017 advisory from the ministry of road transport and highways to take “strict action” against those who fit crash bars or bull bars to their motor vehicles, not a single case has been booked nor penalty levied on violators in Telangana State.
According to the Motor Vehicle Act, altering the vehicle after registration without following due procedure may attract a penalty of Rs 2,000. Crash bars pose a serious threat to pedestrians in case of an accident.
Bull bars or crash bars are strong metal rods fitted at the front and rear of the vehicle so that in case of a crash, the vehicle won’t be damaged.
The MV Act, section 52 stipulates that ‘No owner of a motor vehicle shall so alter the vehicle that the particulars contained in the certificate of registration are at variance with those originally specified by the manufacturer.’
Experts say, crash guards in cars could cause airbags not to open in case of an accident as they interfere with the working of airbag sensors by disturbing the calculations that govern their working.
Also, vehicles are designed by manufacturers to minimise damage to pedestrians in case they are hit, but crash guards are made of heavy metal may cause the death of the pedestrian.
Asked to comment on the lack of action, the Telangana State Road Transport Authority said cases have not been booked because they are still creating awareness among car owners about this. Whenever a vehicle comes to the office for registration with bull bars attached, the owner is told to remove it immediately.
