Abu Dhabi Police have seized a total of 1,596 vehicles over the first ten months of 2026 for carrying unauthorised technical modifications or producing excessive engine and exhaust noise. The crackdown is part of the force's ongoing traffic and security patrol operations targeting cars altered without official approval. the violations fall mainly into two categories: unlicensed modifications to engines or exhaust systems aimed at boosting power or sound, and unauthorised chassis alterations carried out without the required technical permit. Abu Dhabi Police stressed that such modifications, particularly those that increase a vehicle's noise, are violations that can lead to legal action against the owner.

Officials explained that the excessive noise produced by modified vehicles, especially at night, disturbs residents in residential neighbourhoods and remains one of the most recurring public complaints received by the force. Abu Dhabi Police said the patrols will continue on an ongoing basis, with the twin goals of cutting noise pollution and raising road safety standards across the emirate.

Vehicle owners have been urged to carry out any technical modification strictly within approved specifications and with an official permit, to avoid having their car seized or facing legal consequences. The scale of this year's figures suggests that, despite repeated earlier warnings from police, a significant number of drivers in the UAE continue to make unauthorised alterations to their vehicles.