Car Customization in the UAE: What’s Allowed, What’s Trendy & What to Avoid

19 January 2026

Car customization is one of the most popular ways vehicle owners express individuality and ownership, and the rise of custom cars in Dubai reflects just how creative and passionate the local automotive scene has become. This year’s National Day alone saw UAE residents spend over AED 3,000 decorating their cars, highlighting the popularity of this growing subculture (Khaleej Times, 2025).

But, failing to comply with official car modification rules can result in fines, vehicle impoundment, or registration issues. Read on to understand the regulations set by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and local police forces that every driver in the Emirates should be aware of.

Car Modification Approval Process

To legally approve vehicle modifications in the UAE, owners must follow these steps (Times of India, 2025):

1. Visit an ESMA-approved workshop – Choose a workshop authorized by the Emirates Authority for Standardization and Metrology (ESMA).
2. Submit proposed modifications – Present details of the intended modifications for review.
3. Vehicle inspection and evaluation – The workshop examines the vehicle and assesses compliance with regulations.
4. Obtain an approval certificate – Once approved, the workshop issues a certificate to be submitted to the RTA during vehicle registration.
5. Register your modifications -  To make sure vehicle records are updated, submit your certificate to the RTA.

What’s Trendy?

Dubai’s custom car culture is largely shaped by two categories: aesthetic enhancements and performance tuning. The trends are typically centered on creating maximum impact and ensuring the vehicle stands out.

Aesthetic & Interior Trends

Aesthetic modifications are the most popular form of car customization in Dubai, as many fall within the “allowed” category when guidelines are followed.

• Vehicle Wraps and Color Changes: Full-vehicle vinyl wraps are extremely popular, according to industry observations. They allow owners to change the vehicle’s color and finish, from matte black and chrome to vibrant satin hues, while protecting the original paint. Importantly, changing the vehicle’s color (whether by paint or wrap) must be registered with the RTA and requires prior approval to avoid a fine.
• Wheel Upgrades: Custom alloy wheels and rims are widely used, provided size and fitment meet safety standards and don’t affect handling or structural integrity.
• Interior Upgrades: Interior enhancements include premium upholstery, personalized stitching, and upgraded infotainment systems. These are generally permitted as long as safety systems like airbags remain unaffected.
• Legal Lighting: The addition of LED lighting, including approved fog lamps and interior ambient lighting, is common, but strict laws prohibit any flashing lights, strobes, or colors (like blue and red) that resemble emergency vehicle lighting. Underbody neon lights are also generally prohibited.

Performance Enhancement Trends

The latest trends in performance tuning aim to unlock more horsepower and create a more expressive engine sound. Engine control unit (ECU) remapping, performance air intakes, and valvetronic exhaust systems are highly sought after. This is where regulations are most closely enforced. Any change intended to increase horsepower, torque, or noise requires official RTA approval and must be carried out by an ESMA-approved workshop.

What’s Allowed (with approval)?

The UAE’s regulatory framework prioritizes public safety, emissions compliance, and roadworthiness. As a result, certain modifications require formal approval.

Modifications Requiring RTA Approval

Any change that significantly alters the vehicle’s original specifications requires an official approval process. This ensures the vehicle remains safe, compliant with emission standards, and insurable.

1. Engine and Performance: Any increase in engine power, whether via ECU remapping, turbocharger installation, or an engine swap, must be approved. The RTA will inspect the work to confirm it meets established safety and emission benchmarks. Unapproved engine modifications can result in fines.
2. Exhaust Systems: An upgraded exhaust is allowed only if the resulting noise level doesn’t exceed the legal limit, which is typically 95 decibels. Loud, unapproved exhausts or muffler deletes are strictly prohibited and can lead to fines and vehicle impoundment.
3. Suspension and Chassis: Altering the vehicle’s height by modifying the suspension, whether lifting for off-road use or lowering for performance aesthetics, needs approval to ensure the vehicle’s stability and structural integrity are not compromised.
4. Window Tinting: Tinting is allowed up to 50% Visual Light Transmission (VLT) on the side and rear windows. But tinting the front windshield is severely restricted to a small strip at the top, and exceeding the approved percentage can result in a fine.
5. Structural Alterations: Any significant changes to a vehicle’s shape, chassis, body, engine power, or color must be approved by the Licensing Authority. Modifications performed without this approval are illegal and may compromise safety (UAE Federal Decree-Law, 2024).

Modifications to Avoid

Some modifications are either highly restricted or outright banned due to the severe safety risk they pose:

• Tampering with Identity: Any attempt to alter the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) or license plates is a criminal offence.
• Neon or flashing lights – Banned on public roads
• Unapproved engine swaps – Require full inspection and official documentation
• Offensive or vision-blocking stickers – Not permitted on any part of the vehicle

Leasing: Another Way to Enjoy High-Spec Vehicles

For drivers who value premium aesthetics, advanced features, and performance but may prefer to avoid the additional approval steps required for certain modifications, leasing can be a practical alternative.

Access a selection of vehicles, including models from SOUEAST and Jetour from ART Elite Car Rental, with factory-approved specifications, high-end trims, and refined interiors, all fully compliant with UAE regulations. This reduces the need to navigate modification approvals, warranty concerns, or insurance risks associated with unauthorized changes.

With comprehensive lease packages that include insurance, maintenance, and registration, drivers can enjoy a high-spec vehicle with confidence and minimal effort. To explore compliant, premium vehicle options, get in touch with our team.