Mauritius Enthusiasts Fight Ban on Modified Exhaust Systems

A growing number of motoring enthusiasts in Mauritius are challenging a ban on modified exhaust systems that came into force on 30 September 2026 under the country's road traffic legislation. The move has sparked a formal campaign led by MACA, the Mauritius Automotive and Car Association, which has published a memorandum calling for a rethink of the regulation.

The controversy centres on a provision in the updated Road Traffic Act that broadly prohibits exhaust systems which have been altered from their original factory specification. Critics argue the wording of the law is too vague, leaving vehicle owners, mechanics and enforcement officers uncertain about exactly which modifications are illegal and which are not.

MACA's memorandum does not call for an outright reversal of the ban. Instead, the association proposes replacing the blanket prohibition with a measurable standard based on decibel limits, similar to the approach taken in several European countries. Under such a system, any exhaust modification would be permitted provided the noise output stays within a defined threshold, giving authorities a clear and objective benchmark to enforce.

The association argues that the current law unfairly targets a legal hobby enjoyed by thousands of Mauritians who have invested significantly in their vehicles, including sports cars, motorcycles and performance cars that are frequently showcased at organised events on the island.

Transport Minister Osman Mahomed has responded to the controversy by offering clarifications on the scope of the law, though the precise details of his statement were not fully set out in the original report. His intervention suggests the government is aware of the concerns being raised and is at least engaging with the debate.

The dispute touches on a broader tension in Mauritian transport policy between road safety and noise pollution on one hand, and personal freedoms and the rights of vehicle modification communities on the other. Noise from modified exhausts has long been a complaint in residential areas and from other road users, but enthusiast groups say responsible use and proper regulation, rather than an outright ban, is the right approach.

What this means: If you own a vehicle in Mauritius with a non-standard exhaust fitted before or after 30 September 2026, you may currently be in breach of the Road Traffic Act. The outcome of MACA's campaign could determine whether the law is amended to allow decibel-tested modifications or whether the current prohibition remains in place. Vehicle owners are advised to follow updates from the Ministry of Land Transport and to consult a licensed mechanic or legal adviser if they are unsure about the status of their exhaust system.

Source: Le Defi Media