(File photo for representation purpose only)
The sputter, crackle and vroom of revving up cars has drawn the ire of authorities who have decided to crack down on the noisy misadventure that disrupts the serenity of Ramadan.
Creating roaring noise and speeding by fitting additional devices and modifying vehicles will be fined and lead to seizure of vehicles. The Traffic Department has started a campaign against drivers who modify their vehicles to create loud noise and enhance speed.
The Department has announced a fine of QR3,000 and seizure of vehicles. “Using such sounds is a violation of traffic rules because it endangers lives of drivers and the noise creates nuisance for people living in residential areas,” said the Ministry of Interior on its official Twitter account.
Some drivers go for ‘Turbo Modification’ in which a vehicle is modified by installing devices. These modifications increase the sound, enhance engine power and boost the speed. Many drives opt for full modification while some prefer only select modification like increasing sound intensity only.
“Such extra car fittings cost from QR6,000 to QR10,000 depending on type, while the extra fittings used for motorcycles cost less,” Yasser Galal, a vehicle accessory seller told The Peninsula.
These modifications are mainly undertaken by young drivers who want to show off and take part in street races.
“There are three reasons for such modifications. They like to hear engine noise, and want to intensify it because they usually take part in illegal car races in the streets. Also, they want to imitate their friends who have modified their motorbikes or cars,” he added.
Traffic Department strictly monitors such cases during Ramadan as these activities increase during the holy month.
“We don’t like such things to happen for two reasons. First, it is violation of traffic regulations, and this is the holy month of Ramadan and is a time for calm. People need to take rest at their homes. Loud noises, street racing and rash driving disturb the calmness needed during Ramadan,” a senior Traffic Department official told The Peninsula.
The Traffic department is also monitoring other cases such as stunt-driving and drifting which increase during Ramadan, especially late in the night. “Last year, the Department seized more than 30 vehicles. And now many people are cooperating with us and sending pictures of the vehicles which committed these violations which will help us to follow the violators,” added the official.
