Hi guys/gals,
I'm looking at an aftermarket bumper and skid plate for the Xterra to improve approach angles. I know I'd have to take it off for registration and I see that they're cracking down on illegal modifications next month in Abu Dhabi emirate. Reports are that these are mainly to do with engine modifications. Does anyone know if they'll be taking a closer look at aftermarket bumpers? I know several of our members have aftermarket steel bumpers that aren't factory options (the only ones that are allowed). How do they get on? Have you been pulled over and/or fined? Is it expensive? Does anyone have friends in Police that could tell us more?
Thanks for your help.
Vince.

Hi Vince,

2 - things
1. Check with youre insurance because there are alot of insurance companies that will say you void your insurance if you hit a car with an aftermarket steel bumper. (they would say that if you are at fault,+ hit WITH the steel bumper+ you would have to pay yourself for the other damaged vehicle. Just check and make sure to be safe.

2. Police can go for anything at anytime, its not just engine mods -> its ANYTHING loool. you could have a little monkey doll hanging in the back of youre car window and they can fine you by saying it is a distraction to other drivers. But 90% of the time they usually wont do anything if it is a NoN - Landcruiser/ Nissan Patrol heheheh - poor buggers ound:

ive had mine on now for 2 years (gotta take it off this year for renewal as said) +never been stopped Mashallah+ but i could get away with it probably as mine came with the car when i bought it brand new.

Hope this helps!! :d

Aftermarket / metal bumpers are actually illegal. If you have a front end crash your insurance will not cover the damages to you or to the other car. Stay away from them as they will be causing you great deal of trouble.

Stay with your stock factory bumper but go and get the car lifted. A two inch lift and maybe a skidplate will stop any damage to the bumpers.

Bin Hoofan in Abu Dhabi can do the lift for you or you can get one from Rami Trading.

We are all waiting to see hwt happens from next month. The Police have indicated that they will not tolerate ANY mods so we need to see how it works. Initially the rule was to target cars modified for speed and sound but they could use the rule to cover all the mods.

It will be great if the 4x4 clubs throught the country come together and for a Federation and go to the Police and get approval for mods like lift kits etc that we do for desert driving. None of us have modded our cars for on road performance. Its the opposite actually as bigger tires and lifts mean you loose performance on the road.

These are going to be very difficult times for modified car owners.

If the clubs can get approval for certain mods then we can carry some sort of certification certifying the mods are acceptable to show if we are stopped.

Even stickers are going to be a major issue from now on.

Thanks Wasif and Saleh,
I checked with insurance and was told I would still be covered with an aftermarket bumper - they put a note on my insurance to this effect, although I think I'll only know for sure if I have an accident . I've just got a 2 inch lift from Ramy and I'm very happy with it - hope it doesn't become an issue in the future. I'm still interested to hear what others have to say, although I don't think I will get the bumper.
Vince.

With the lift you will not hit your bumpers anymore and adding weight is not a great idea to a car anyway !

Thanks for the comments. It was a pre-runner style tube bumper so not too heavy. The Xterra's got a big low-hanging radiator and I just wanted to give it some extra protection - I've heard of a coupla guys knocking them back into the fan. It is much better with the lift but still possible to give it a thump.

Wasif Ahmed wrote:It will be great if the 4x4 clubs throught the country come together and for a Federation and go to the Police and get approval for mods like lift kits etc that we do for desert driving. None of us have modded our cars for on road performance. Its the opposite actually as bigger tires and lifts mean you loose performance on the road.

Well volunteered - thanks