The key facts

  • Dubai: 218 seized vehicles and 518 fines in October
  • Fine of 2,000 dirhams, 12 points, and a 10,000 dirham fee to retrieve the car
  • Abu Dhabi: 1,596 cars seized in the first 10 months of the year

Mass seizures over noisy vehicles

Dubai police seized 218 vehicles and issued 518 fines in October for excessive noise in residential areas, The National reports. Brigadier Juma bin Suwaidan, director of the traffic department, stressed that owning a sports car or modifying it does not give anyone the right to 'disturb public peace.' According to him, excessive noise — caused by illegal engine and exhaust modifications or irresponsible driving — affects residents' well-being and disrupts sleep, especially for children, the elderly, and hospital patients.

What penalties await violators

Drivers caught violating the rules face a fine of 2,000 dirhams (about $2,722 — the amount is given in the publication as the fee for the impound lot) and 12 penalty points, and retrieving a car from the impound lot requires paying 10,000 dirhams. Illegal modification of an engine or chassis without the required permit will cost 1,000 dirhams. Police also warned against sharp acceleration to make the engine roar loudly, especially in residential areas and at night.

Smart devices and expanded monitoring

To identify violators, police use smart technology: a video has been published showing devices recording the noise of various vehicles around the city. Bin Suwaidan announced plans to expand the use of such devices, increasing their number and installing them at new locations across the emirate to detect violations more effectively. Residents can report noisy vehicles through the Police Eye service in the police app or by calling 901.

Abu Dhabi: 1,596 vehicles seized

Abu Dhabi police reported that in the first 10 months of the year they seized 1,596 vehicles due to illegal modifications and excessive noise. The department's statement said such practices 'create disturbance in residential neighborhoods, affect residents' comfort, and undermine the quality of life in the city.' Owners were reminded of the need to comply with approved technical requirements and refrain from unauthorized modifications; police promised that enforcement efforts will continue.