Dozens fined in Dubai since new car modification laws came into force

Dubai Police launch Ramadan campaign aimed at educating young drivers of the dangers of modifying their vehicles

There are several short and long-term options available to help you hit the open road. Sarah Dea / The National

Dubai Police have launched a Ramadan campaign aimed at educating young drivers about the dangers of modifying their vehicles.

Eighty-nine motorists had their vehicles impounded for illegal modifications in Dubai last year, police said.

“Modifying vehicles illegally cause deadly accidents,” said Brig Abdul Halim Al Hashemi, deputy director of Al Qusais police station.

“Stunt driving and driving noisy vehicles have been a source of concern among residents and authorities."

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Messages will be sent to motorists and police officers will lecture the public during visits to Ramadan tents during the month-long campaign.

Some motorists modify their vehicles to amplify the sound of their car's exhaust while others modify the engine to boost horsepower.

New laws on car modifications were introduced in July last year.

Police raised the recent case of a 17-year-old Emirati who was killed and three other teenage passengers were injured in an accident that involved a modified car.

“The incident took place on April 27, this year. The motorist was driving at 140kph speed, swerved and hit a street light,” said Brig Al Hashemi.

“One of the teenagers took his father’s vehicle and asked his friend, who did not have a driving licence, to drive it,” he said.

“The consequences of cars’ modifications can be deadly."

Read more: Why a supercar can become a superfire

Meanwhile, about 20,000 motorists were fined for not abiding by traffic rules in the first three months of 2018, police data revealed.

More than 20,000 pedestrians were fined for crossing the road dangerously, and 9,000 vehicles were fined for transporting passengers illegally.