Modified Exhausts Now Carry Rs 10,000 Fine in Mauritius

Drivers and riders in Mauritius who have modified their vehicle's exhaust system are now facing a Rs 10,000 fine under a new law that came into force at midnight on 29 September 2026. Minister Osman Mahomed — who heads the Ministry of Land Transport and Light Rail — announced the measure at a press conference on Tuesday, making clear that the rule applies to both motorcyclists and car drivers alike. "From the moment a motorcyclist or a car driver has modified their exhaust from its original state, they are liable to a fine of Rs 10,000," the minister stated. The law targets exhaust modifications that alter a vehicle beyond its manufacturer's original specification. This typically includes aftermarket pipes or mufflers designed to increase engine noise — a practice that has long been a source of noise pollution complaints in residential areas across the island. **What counts as a modified exhaust?** Any exhaust component that has been changed, replaced, or tampered with so that it differs from the vehicle's original factory configuration would fall under this law. This includes the popular practice of fitting louder or free-flow exhausts on motorcycles and sports cars to produce a more aggressive sound. **What this means for drivers and riders** If you own a motorcycle or car with a non-standard exhaust — even one fitted before this law came into effect — you are now at risk of being fined Rs 10,000 on the spot. The new regulation is part of a broader push by Mauritius authorities to tighten road discipline and reduce noise disturbances caused by modified vehicles, particularly in densely populated towns such as Port Louis, Quatre-Bornes, and Rose-Hill. Traffic police are expected to be empowered to issue the fine during standard roadside checks or targeted enforcement operations. Vehicle owners are advised to check whether their exhaust system matches the original manufacturer's specification — if in doubt, consult a certified mechanic or the National Transport Authority (NTA), the government body that oversees vehicle registration and roadworthiness standards in Mauritius. The announcement follows a recent wave of road-safety legislation in Mauritius, including steep fines for illegal street racing, tougher drink-driving enforcement, and expanded powers for police at roadside checks. Source: ION News