Modified and roaming the streets but no action taken

THERE are cars that have been modified excessively, changing the shape of the original make, and the noise generated by these vehicles is well beyond the sound limit allowed and yet it appears that the authorities are not acting against the drivers.

The modifications made to the cars include the body kit, exhaust pipe, engine, front lights using high voltage (xenon lights), “recycled” body parts, shorter shock absorbers, excessive tint and the use of logo of a different make.

The modified exhaust pipes contribute to noise pollution and the xenon lights can temporarily blind drivers of oncoming cars.

According to an expert on modified cars, Lawrence Simon of Linerz motorsports based in Subang and Sunway, it is not dangerous as long as it is done following JPJ guidelines.

Simon said Linerz motorsports cars that were highly modified could not be used on the normal highway as they could pose a danger to other road users.

“These cars are usually towed to the car show venues. Again it all depends on how low the chassis is modified as they may not be able to go over a hump and need to move over it in a “crab-like movement” so as not to damage the skirtings,’’ added Simon.

He said the public see owners of modified cars as people who race, endanger the public and make a nuisance of themselves.

He added that a Proton Waja was modified to look like a Mitsubishi-make and Perodua Myvi to look like a Toyota Passo TRD.

For those planning to buy the Myvi, there is a TRD bodykit for the Toyota equivalent which is the Toyota Passo.

One can modify their cars with front spoiler skirts to rear valence and side skirt packages and in some cases the aerodynamics of the car.

No expense spared: A modified Myvi with low skirtings.

Road Transport Department (JPJ) director-general Datuk Solah Mat Hassan said there were rules on car modifications listed on the JPJ website but that despite this, car enthusiasts were running foul of the law.