In the UAE, car modification has become a new trend. Many people are car enthusiasts and like to customise their vehicles. Car lovers add different accessories such as  Screens, Upholstery, Wrapping, body kits etc. to enhance the beauty of their cars. There are many car accessories shops across the UAE for all kinds of modifications. However, many people are not aware of the rules and regulations that must be followed when modifying a car.

Here, I’m going to explain the rules you need to follow when planning to modify your car.

In 2017 the UAE government cabinet Decision Number, 45 of 2016, the rules officially come in to June 1st 2017. The outline is that which types of vehicles modification are allowed and how they carried out.

Legal Modification

• Car Body Kits and Aesthetic Enhancement: Adding body kits line spoilers, front lips, side skirts its legal in UAE. It’s don’t affect the vehicles size and safety.

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• Suspension Adjustment: Minor suspension and body lift approved by the UAE government; we have to do it in a certified garage.
• Engine turning: Customer can turn the engine in certain extent, they meet the emission standards. Customer can’t change the inbuild engine.
• Exhaust System: In UAE many after-market exhaust systems available for the cars, but we have to follow the noise limit of 95 decibel are approved by the RTA.
• Window Tinting: tinting is legal in UAE, we can add different types of tinting visibility options 30% for company vehicles, 50% and 70 % for the personal vehicles.

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• Interior Upgradation: we can upgrade seat cover, dashboard restoration, roof upholstery etc., but the interior upgrade doesn’t affect the safety features. And we can install decoration light also (Ambient lights, star lights) but don’t affect the visibility or distract other drivers.

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• Exterior Upgradation: We can add different types of wrapping and sticks works for your car. We need to get the approval from the RTA.

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Illegal Car Modification

• Extreme Engine Modification: we can’t add some extra features to increase the performance of the engine like turbocharges and engine swaps it is illegal in UAE.
• Nitrous Oxide System (NOS): Using NOS to increase the speeding on the road it is entirely illegal and is consider safety hazard in the road.
• Loud Exhausts: the exhausts sound more than 95 decibels, is consider as illegal modification.
• Strobe Lights and Police sirens: fitting strobe lights, police sirens and some flashing-colored lights is strictly prohibited. Because of it can be misleads other drivers.
• Change the vehicles’ identity: Altering the chassis number, VIN or masking the vehicle model is consider as the criminal offences.
• Modification affects the safety: Any types of modification affect the safety and security of the people; it considers as illegal modification.

Penalties for illegal modification

• Fines: fine starts from AED 1000 to AED 5000
• Black points: on your driving license
• Vehicles confiscation: Dubai police and RTA seize the vehicle.
• Insurances issues: the unauthorized modification the insurances company refuse to cover the accidents claim.

Tips to modify your cars Legally.

• Always follow the guild lines of RTA: Review the latest rules and guild lines in the RTA website before do the modification.
• Choose Certified workshops: Always choose RTA approved workshops and ensure that it meets safety standards.
• Get written approval: Before proceeding with major changes to your car, you need to apply and get official approvals from the RTA.
• Avoid extreme Alteration: Make sure that always follow the safety standards.
• Keep Document Handy: Keep your modification approval certificates all the time to avoid the fines during the inspections.

Conclusion

Dubai has a strong and growing car culture. As the city develops and rules become stricter, it’s important to follow the 2025 car modification laws. This isn’t only to prevent fines—it also helps keep your car safe and running smoothly.

At Car Hub Auto Accessories experts, we make sure your car modifications are done safely and legally. Our team works with you to achieve the style and performance you want while meeting all rules and regulations.Whether you’re planning new upgrades or need guidance on your current modifications, Car Hub in Dubai is here to help you keep your car looking great, performing well, and staying within the law.