Essential Guidelines for Vehicle Modifications in the UAE

On certain occasions, car owners might restrict themselves from upgrading to a more powerful vehicle that would also exhibit more panache and glamour on the outside. This could be due to several reasons such as the price of the vehicle, stacked segment(s) above, or the urge to maximize the potential of the existing car to make it appear enchanting and bump its engine grunt figures, so as to maximize the thrill quotient, which purchasing a car from higher segments wouldn’t be able to bequeath.

However, modifications come with their own set of risks and, under extreme cases, can endanger the existence of the vehicle and the owner’s life. To curtail any such hazards and malpractices on the part of owners, the UAE authorities have ruled out regulations that envelope vehicle modifications, which must be adhered to. Refraining from this can lead to punishments such as:

• Fines ranging from AED 1,000 to AED 50,000
• Vehicle impoundments and confiscation
• Revocation of vehicle registration

Before we get to the yardsticks charted by the authorities for customizing vehicles, it is essential to fathom the types of vehicle modifications. These are:

Aesthetic Modifications

As the word suggests, these refer to refurbishments on the vehicle’s body to augment its appeal, such as:

• Tinted windows
• Sporty rim design
• Decal additions
• Custom paint
• Sunroof installations

Performance Modifications

Performance modifications elucidate alterations made to the steering for precise handling, rapid acceleration, and a more reassuring bite from the brakes by including bigger brake calipers and high-quality brake pads. More expensive installations include turbochargers, superchargers, and suspension tweaks.

Safety Modifications

Safety modifications include devices and tech that accentuate the safety quotient of the vehicle, such as:

• Anti-theft devices
• High-tension seat belts
• Advanced driver assistance systems
• Sensors that relay vital information of the surroundings

Approval of Proposed Modifications

For the customization process to be carried out peacefully and ensure a worry-free life afterward, the foremost step is to obtain a certificate issued by the Emirates Authority for Standardisation and Metrology (ESMA) through workshops that are licensed by this governing institution.

Upon receiving the aforementioned certificate, inform the ESMA-recognized workshop of your desired modifications. Trained professionals at the workshop will meticulously scrutinize your vehicle to examine its potential and inform if the proposed modifications can be carried out.

If the draft is approved, a certificate will be issued by the workshop, which has to be submitted to the Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) during vehicle registration for a seamless process.

Allowed Modifications

Any modification that increases comfort and convenience for the vehicle owner and occupants, sans compromising safety of the car and other road users, will be allowed. These can include:

• Wrapping the car with a unique shade
• Window tinting
• Installing spoilers
• Decals and rims
• High profile rubber

Mechanical upgrades are only permissible upon receiving a certificate from a SEMA approved workshop and notifying the RTA for the same, as these are more susceptible to endanger the car’s performance over the foreseeable future and can also pose a threat to other road users under extreme customizations.

Hence, it is extremely important to understand your vehicle, get it ascertained by a knowledgeable mechanic to receive insights on the car’s maximum potential, and take a call on the type of modifications desired. Finally, obtain a certificate from ESMA and present the same each year during the annual registration process of the vehicle to abate any bottlenecks that may arise in the future.