Traffic police target noisy modified motorcycles in Kathmandu
Traffic police in Kathmandu Valley have started a special enforcement drive against riders using illegally modified motorcycles that create excessive noise and disturb public peace.
According to the Valley Traffic Police Office, action has already been taken against 1,371 riders for using modified exhausts, doing stunts and creating loud noise on public roads, often late at night.
What kind of modifications are being penalised?
Police say they are focusing on motorcycles that:
- Have altered silencers or other parts to produce very loud exhaust sound
- Are used for stunt riding on public roads
- Are driven in groups, making noise and disturbance late at night
These changes are considered unsafe and are not allowed under existing traffic rules. Riders caught with such modifications are being fined. Further legal action is being taken as required.
Why are authorities acting now?
Traffic police report they have received continuous complaints from local residents, pedestrians and other road users about noise and unsafe behaviour by some motorcycle riders.
Officers say loud modified bikes:
- Frighten children and vulnerable road users
- Disturb the peace of residential areas, especially at night
- Increase the risk of road accidents by startling other drivers
Police say there have also been incidents where riders rev loud motorcycles near women riding scooters, causing them to panic and lose control, leading to crashes.
Message to motorcycle and scooter owners
The Valley Traffic Police Office has reminded riders that public roads are shared spaces, and personal enjoyment or show-off riding must not harm others' safety, peace or freedom.
Motorcycle and scooter owners are being urged to:
- Avoid unnecessary modification of exhausts and other parts that increase noise
- Not use loud aftermarket silencers or devices on public roads
- Respect other road users, including pedestrians and slower vehicles
- Follow all traffic rules and ride in a disciplined and responsible manner
Stricter monitoring to continue
Traffic police have announced that surveillance and enforcement will be intensified against:
- Loud exhausts
- Stunt riding
- Any activity that affects public peace or road safety
They have warned that riders who operate vehicles against traffic regulations will be brought under legal action, and such behaviour "will not be tolerated".
For Nepali motorcycle users, this campaign is a clear signal. Keep your bike within legal specifications, avoid noisy modifications, and ride responsibly if you want to stay out of trouble with traffic police.
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