Dubai Police impound 1,630 vehicles over noise and illegal modifications since January

Between January and September 2026, Dubai Police fined 7,735 drivers and impounded 1,630 vehicles over loud engines and unapproved technical changes. The General Department of Traffic said the campaign targets disruptive driving, mainly in residential areas. Police are also preparing to add more devices that detect noise.

The total splits into two groups. Police recorded 2,045 cases of excessive noise, which led to 333 impounded vehicles. Another 5,690 cases involved unapproved alterations to engines or chassis, and 1,297 of those vehicles were impounded.

The penalty for a vehicle that makes excessive noise is Dh2,000 and 12 black points. Altering the engine or chassis without approval costs Dh1,000 and 12 black points, and the vehicle is held for 30 days.

Brigadier Juma Salem bin Suwaidan, who heads the General Department of Traffic, said further measures can be applied depending on how serious the offence is. These fall under Dubai Decree No. 30 of 2023, which governs impoundment, and can include fees to get a vehicle back in cases the decree covers.

Police intend to increase the number of noise measuring devices and place them on roads and in areas where complaints arise. The equipment is meant to trace the source of the sound and the car responsible.

Bin Suwaidan urged owners, especially young drivers, not to modify engines and exhaust systems without approval. He said tougher inspections and greater public awareness had recently reduced the level of excessive noise.

The penalties apply to every vehicle on Dubai roads, so visitors who rent a car are subject to the same rules. Options are listed in the DoBy cars section.

Gulf News reported the figures, and Khaleej Times carried the same data. Police also point drivers to the Aman Roads online platform for road safety guidance.