The key facts
- 7,735 fines and 1,630 impounded vehicles over nine months of 2026
- 2,045 violations for noise (333 impoundments) and 5,690 for engine or chassis modifications (1,297 impoundments)
- Fine for noise — AED 2,000 and 12 black points; for modifications — AED 1,000, 12 points and 30 days impoundment
Scale of violations over nine months
Dubai Police issued 7,735 fines and impounded 1,630 vehicles in the first nine months of 2026 for excessive noise and unauthorized modifications. A total of 2,045 violations related to excessive vehicle noise were recorded, leading to the impoundment of 333 cars. Another 5,690 violations concerned illegal engine or chassis modifications — 1,291 vehicles were impounded for these.
Traffic police leadership's position
Brigadier General Juma Salem bin Suwaidan, Director of Dubai Police's Traffic Department, noted that loud vehicles, especially cars and motorcycles with modified engines or exhaust systems, cause concern among residents. According to him, excessive noise disturbs residential areas, especially at night, affects public well-being, and sudden or unusually loud sounds can distract drivers and increase the risk of accidents.
Penalties and new technology
Under UAE rules, driving a vehicle that produces excessive noise is punishable by a fine of AED 2,000 and 12 black points. Illegal engine or chassis modifications carry a fine of AED 1,000, 12 black points and 30 days of impoundment. Police are stepping up inspections and monitoring, and are preparing to expand the use of devices that detect and measure vehicle noise levels on roads and in areas where violations are recorded. Bin Suwaidan said these devices will help identify sources of noise and violators, and that their expansion reflects the force's commitment to using smart technologies for road safety and residents' quality of life.
Context and past years' statistics
Bin Suwaidan urged motorists, especially young drivers, to comply with the rules and avoid illegal engine and exhaust modifications, adding that enhanced enforcement and greater awareness contributed to the recent reduction in noise levels. Last November, Dubai Police announced plans to expand radar capabilities to detect noisy vehicles: AI-powered cameras are being used that can record violations when the permissible noise level is exceeded. In 2024, 12,019 fines were issued for unauthorized modifications causing excessive noise and significant changes to the engine or chassis. Police also recommend that motorists and residents turn to the Aman roads platforms for road safety guidance.
