Dubai Police Warn Drivers Against Illegal Car Modifications as Summer Temperatures Soar

Dubai Police are urging motorists to avoid illegal vehicle modifications and carry out regular maintenance during the summer season.

Authorities say unauthorised alterations can increase the risk of breakdowns and vehicle fires, especially as temperatures rise across the UAE.

Dubai Police Remind Motorists to Prioritise Vehicle Safety This Summer

Summer in the UAE can be particularly demanding on vehicles. From overheating engines and worn tyres to battery failures, the extreme heat often exposes issues that may go unnoticed during cooler months.

With temperatures climbing across the country, Dubai Police have issued a fresh reminder for motorists to keep their vehicles roadworthy and avoid unauthorised modifications that could compromise safety.

The warning forms part of ongoing road safety efforts aimed at reducing vehicle-related incidents during the summer season. Authorities are encouraging drivers to carry out regular inspections, stay on top of maintenance schedules, and ensure any vehicle upgrades comply with UAE regulations.

According to Dubai Police, some modifications carried out through unauthorised workshops or using non-approved parts can increase the likelihood of mechanical failures and, in certain cases, vehicle fires.

Why Is Dubai Police Warning Drivers About Illegal Modifications?

The reminder comes as authorities continue to monitor vehicle safety standards across the emirate.

Brigadier Juma Salem bin Suwaidan, Director of the General Department of Traffic at Dubai Police, urged motorists to ensure all safety measures are in place before getting behind the wheel, particularly during periods of extreme heat.

He stressed that drivers should regularly inspect their vehicles and comply with traffic laws designed to keep roads safe.

Dubai Police also warned against installing external additions or modifications from unauthorised sources. While some alterations may appear harmless, changes to electrical systems, engine components, fuel systems, or structural parts can create serious safety concerns if they do not meet approved standards.

In hot weather conditions, these risks can become even greater, increasing the chances of vehicle malfunctions and fire incidents.

Thousands of Vehicle Safety Violations Recorded This Year

Dubai Police revealed that 3,589 vehicle safety-related violations were recorded during the first five months of 2026.

These included:

• 1,737 violations involving vehicles that did not meet required safety and security standards.
• 1,026 violations for operating vehicles considered unroadworthy.
• 826 violations related to expired or unsafe tyres.

While the numbers highlight ongoing compliance issues, they also serve as a reminder of the importance of regular maintenance and vehicle inspections.

Tyres, brakes, cooling systems, batteries, and electrical components are all placed under additional strain during the UAE summer, making routine checks more important than ever.

How Does UAE Summer Heat Affect Vehicles?

Many motorists underestimate the impact of extreme temperatures on their vehicles.

When temperatures regularly exceed 45°C, critical vehicle components can deteriorate more quickly. Tyres become more vulnerable to blowouts, batteries lose efficiency, and engines can overheat if cooling systems are not functioning properly.

Electrical faults are another concern. Damaged wiring, poor-quality aftermarket installations, or neglected maintenance can increase the risk of short circuits and fires.

This is one reason authorities across the UAE routinely encourage vehicle owners to carry out seasonal inspections before embarking on long journeys or daily commutes during the summer months.

Simple checks today can help prevent costly repairs and dangerous situations later.

What Steps Should Drivers Take Before Heading Out?

Dubai Police are encouraging motorists to adopt a proactive approach to vehicle safety throughout the summer.

Some key maintenance checks include:

• Inspecting tyre condition and pressure regularly.
• Ensuring coolant and engine fluids are topped up.
• Checking battery health and electrical systems.
• Testing brakes and vehicle lights.
• Keeping air-conditioning systems in good working condition.
• Using only authorised service centres for repairs and modifications.

The UAE Government’s road safety guidance also emphasises the importance of maintaining vehicles according to manufacturer recommendations and addressing any faults promptly.

Drivers planning long-distance road trips between emirates should pay particular attention to tyres and cooling systems, as these are among the components most affected by high temperatures.

How This Could Affect Your Daily Drive

For many residents, driving is part of everyday life. Whether commuting to work, dropping children at school, travelling between Dubai and Abu Dhabi, or heading away for a weekend break, reliable transportation is essential.

That is why vehicle maintenance becomes especially important during the summer season.

A neglected tyre, faulty wiring, or an unauthorised modification can quickly lead to unexpected breakdowns. In more serious cases, it can put lives at risk.

Illegal modifications can also create insurance complications and may result in penalties if a vehicle fails to meet roadworthiness requirements under UAE traffic regulations.

Dubai Police say motorists can significantly reduce these risks by carrying out regular maintenance and ensuring all vehicle modifications are approved and compliant with local laws.

FAQs

Q: Why has Dubai Police issued this warning?

A: Dubai Police are reminding motorists to avoid unauthorised vehicle modifications because they can increase the risk of breakdowns and vehicle fires, particularly during the summer months.

Q: What types of vehicle modifications can be dangerous?

A: Modifications affecting electrical systems, engines, suspension, fuel lines, or vehicle structure can create safety risks if they are not installed correctly or approved by the relevant authorities.

Q: How many vehicle safety violations were recorded in Dubai this year?

A: Dubai Police recorded 3,589 vehicle safety-related violations during the first five months of 2026, including unroadworthy vehicles and expired tyres.

Q: Can summer temperatures increase the risk of vehicle fires?

A: Yes. Extreme heat places additional strain on vehicle systems, especially electrical components, batteries, engines, and tyres. Poor maintenance or faulty modifications can further increase these risks.

Q: How can drivers keep their vehicles safe during summer?

A: Regular inspections, tyre checks, battery testing, coolant maintenance, and using authorised workshops for repairs and modifications can help keep vehicles roadworthy throughout the season.

As temperatures continue to rise across the UAE, Dubai Police are reminding motorists that vehicle safety starts long before a journey begins. Regular maintenance, approved repairs, and avoiding illegal modifications can help prevent breakdowns, reduce fire risks, and keep roads safer for everyone.

For drivers across Dubai and the UAE, the message is clear: taking a few simple precautions now could help avoid a much bigger problem later.

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