Officially opened on the 8th of August 2017, the UAE’s first modified car inspection centre adheres to a law passed last year by the UAE Cabinet to address safety requirements for modified vehicles.
Anyone who owns a modified car or off-road vehicle can “run” their vehicle through the inspection centre. During the test, inspectors will take note of modifications made to the engine, transmission, exhaust system amongst other parts.
The new system excludes trailers, motorcycles, tractors and caravans and will also cover suspension, chassis, brake system, brush guards and engine air distributors.
Strict guidelines will be issued to auto workshops across the country to address what is allowed and what isn’t. Owners of modified vehicles will have to apply for a modification certificate from the Emirates Authority for Standardisation and Metrology.
Until recently, garages across the UAE have been freely modifying vehicles based on what customers desire. When it was time to register vehicles, many would strip their car down to how it should look like, only to rebuild them after inspection.
Other examples most notably show cars are just that, they are purely for show at motoring events and are not used on the streets.
Currently, those who breach the threshold of modified cars can incur a fine of up to AED 30,000. Although it is unconfirmed how much is too much.
As the modified car inspection centre is located in Abu Dhabi, it’s unknown if the Dubai RTA will accept the passing certificate at annual registrations.
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