Without clear rules and guidelines, vehicles modifications have for long been a grey area in the UAE, with certain emirates being more lenient than others with their list of permissible mods. To standardize the process, improve safety of road users, and allow motorists to be on the right side of the law, Emirates Authority for Standardization and Metrology (ESMA) in cooperation with the Automobile and Touring Club of the UAE (ATCUAE) have introduced a new code that sets limits on how much enthusiasts can tune their vehicles.
The code, which excludes motorcycles, trailers, caravans and tractors, includes engine modifications, high-performance braking systems, bull bars, chassis and suspension modifications, exhaust systems, transmission upgrades, fuel additives, air filters, radiators, ignition systems, rims, tires, and engine air distribution systems amongst other parts. Alterations to fenders, seats, lights, and entertainment systems are excluded from abiding to the new code.
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Previously the process was unregulated, “yet a car could be stopped at any given point by the police to say it is an illegal modification” said Al Tareq Al Ameri, the Chief Executive of Yas Marina Circuit. He continued to explain that the whole process needs to be balanced – a car designed to handle 200 horsepower cannot handle 1,000 horsepower. We need to ensure the quality of the work and whether the fuel being used is safe, to avoid a catastrophe.
To obtain a modification license, owners will need to have their vehicles examined by the inspection center launched at Yas Marina Circuit. The center will start examining cars in a few weeks’ time and issue a paper approving or declining the modifications carried out, which will then need to be taken to ESMA for the issuance of the license.
Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of ATCUAE and former Emirati rally champion said: “I am grateful for this. I had modifications too, and there was a confusion, nobody knew what was allowed and what was not. Motorists should not look at this as a limitation but as a chance to express their passion within legal and safety limits.”
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Those who do not abide by the new rules will face a jail term and/or fine of at least AED 30,000. Illegally installed parts will also be confiscated. It is worth noting that the same penalty applies to anyone who has introduced, offered or sold a product that isn’t approved.
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