Like many other aspects of public life, Dubai has tough rules and regulations when it comes to traffic which can be hard for residents and tourists alike when trying to navigate the complexities of its roads.
So, from speeding to stopping in an unauthorized zone, you must be aware and alert when behind the wheel, since violations could land you with a hefty traffic fine. This blog explores and explains Dubai’s traffic code in more detail.
How Much Are Dubai Police Traffic Fines?
To promote responsible road use and deter drivers from committing violations, Dubai enforces its traffic rules tightly. See the table below for details of “minor” misdemeanors.
| NATURE OF VIOLATION | CODE | AMOUNT OF FINE |
| Dangerous driving | 3141 | 1,000 AED |
| Evading a police officer | 3017 | 800 AED |
| Driving incident resulting in death | 3235 | Judge determines fine |
| Causing damage to another vehicle | 3230 | Judge determines fine |
| Parking in a “no parking” area | 3129 | 1,000 AED |
| Driving without a fastened seatbelt | 3058 | 400 AED |
| Allowing a child <10yrs to sit in the front passenger seat | 3137 | 400 AED |
| Failure to pull over for an emergency vehicle | 3021 | 500 AED |
| Failure to cede right of way to pedestrians | 3127 | 500 AED |
| Failure to follow traffic signs | 3138 | 500 AED |
| Driving with a license issued by a foreign county (when not allowed) | 3006 | 400 AED |
| Parking illegally on road shoulder (non-emergency) | 3224 | 200 AED |
| Broken signal lights | 3161 | 200 AED |
| No license plates | 3156 | 1000 AED |
What Is Considered A Major Traffic Offence in Dubai?
Major traffic offences in Dubai attract hefty traffic fines and penalties including ‘black points’ that remain permanently on your driving record and can result in cancellation of your driving license if you accrue too many.
Major traffic offences in Dubai include:
- Drinking & driving: this is one of the most serious offences in the UAE and whilst the court ultimately decides the fine to be imposed, your vehicle is likely to be seized by the authorities for a period up to 60 days. Note also that any incident or accident that occurs whilst you were under the influence of alcohol will not be accepted as a valid insurance claim.
- Death by driving: if your driving results in a fatality this is not only an offence with a heavy fine but grounds for the rejection of any claim made under your car insurance. In addition, your vehicle will also be impounded by the Police for 60 days.
- Leaving the scene of an incident: if you’re involved in an accident or traffic incident or any kind, you should deal with it responsibly and take all necessary actions such as calling the police, ambulance or fire brigade as required. You should also exchange insurance details with any third parties involved. Failure to comply will attract at least a fine which can range from AED 500 for light vehicles to AED 1000 for heavy vehicles.
- Speeding: whilst Dubai has generous speed limits on many of its roads, some motorists still choose to exceed them, especially with the range of high performance and supercars present in the emirates. However tempting, speeding is strongly discouraged and as such attracts hefty Dubai traffic fines and penalties: starting at a fine AED 3,000, 23 black points on your record and if it is a light vehicle, police seizure for 30 days.
- Failing to comply with traffic signals: jumping a red light, or any other signal contravention, can attract significant penalties in Dubai which vary according to the classification of the vehicle being driven at the time of the offence. For a heavy vehicle, a fine of AED 3,000 plus you’ll have to surrender your license to the RTA for one year. For a light vehicle, the fine reduces to AED 1,000 plus vehicle retention for 30 days and 12 black points. Break a signal while driving a two-wheeler, and expect a fine of AED1,000, 12 black points and a vehicle retention of 31 days.
- Using a mobile phone whilst driving: although you’ll only get 4 black points for this offence, you’ll also receive a traffic fine of around AED 800 which is significant. Mobile phone usage is the top cognitive distraction whilst driving so fines are there to act as a deterrent for drivers.
- Driving without a Valid Vehicle Registration: it’s compulsory in Dubai to have a valid registration and driver’s license, and if you’re caught without these documents or unable to provide proof of registration, then you can expect to have your vehicle impounded for up to 17 days, be charged a fixed penalty fine of AED 500 and also receive 4 black points on your record.
- Driving without a license plate will get you 24 black points plus a fine of AED 3000.
- Using the Vehicle for Anything Other Than Its Intended Use: you are not permitted to use your private vehicle for anything other than social, domestic, and pleasure use and/or commuting to and from a place of work. Using your vehicle for anything else, such as the transportation of passengers (known as hire and reward) or goods requires special licensing. Contravene these rules and you can expect to receive a Dubai Traffic fine of AED 3,000 and 24 black points added to your driving history.
- Careless or reckless driving that’s potentially damaging to persons and/or public/private property will attract 23 black points as well as a 2000 AED fine.
How to Check and Pay Dubai Traffic Fines Online?
For minor offences, you can pay these online through either the official RTA website or that of the Dubai Police. Serious offences need to be paid in person at a Dubai Police station.
How Can I Find Out About My Traffic Record in Dubai?
It’s easy to find out details of your Dubai traffic fines and penalties on record: simply contact either the RTA on 800 90 90 or Dubai Police on 901 or email mail@dubaipolice.gov.ae.
