Dubai Police launch drive against illegal modification of cars

The police have seized 89 vehicles which breached modification standards in 2017

Dubai - Stunt driving and noise pollution caused by such vehicles raised concerns among the public and authorities.

The Dubai Police launched a month-long campaign on Thursday to spread awareness among the youth about dangerous impact of modified vehicles.
The campaign themed Our Youth, Our Treasure was announced during a Press conference at Al Qusais Police Station.
Brigadier Abdul Halim Mohammed Al Hashemi, acting director of Al Qusais Police Station; Brigadier Ahmed Thani bin Ghalaita, director of Al Refa'a Police Station and chairman of the Police Stations Council; counsellor Salah bu Froushah, head of the Dubai Traffic Prosecution; and Abdulla Jassim, deputy director of the road patrol department at the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) were present at the Press conference.
Brigadier Abdul Halim said that the campaign aims at spreading awareness among community members and parents about the harmful impact of driving modified cars.
"Stunt driving and noise pollution caused by such vehicles raised concerns among the public and authorities. The police have seized 89 vehicles which breached modification standards in 2017, compared to 101 in the year 2016. However, in the year 2017, there was no accidents caused by car modification, compared to four accidents in the year 2016," he added.
"The UAE already has rules against illegal modification of vehicles. The mechanical department of the police will check the cars that are involved in accidents to confirm whether they were modified," said Brig Abdul Halim.
Counsellor Salah bu Froushah said that parents will be responsible if the driver is under 18 years of age.
"Parents should watch their children as modifications on cars can be noticed easily by their sound. There were instances when parents had paid up to Dh500,000 compensation when their minor children caused accidents."
Brig Ahmed bin Ghalaita said that it would be difficult for drivers to control the vehicle when the engines are modified to increase speed. "People can contact the police at 901 if they noticed any car race or modified car on public roads."
Brig Ahmed Ghalaita said the police had earlier came across cases of aviation fuel being used in cars to increase speed, but no such cases were recorded during the past two years. During the campaign, the police will organise lectures at sports clubs, schools and public places and display awareness messages on various media including social media channels.
"Garages will be closed if they do not heed to police warnings and are found to be modifying exhaust systems or adding devices to boost the vehicle's speed without prior permission from the police."

Parents' responsibility