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.
Watch How Dubai Police Radars Detect Speeding
How Much Are Dubai Police Traffic Fines?
Dubai enforces its traffic rules tightly to promote responsible road use and deter drivers from committing violations.
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: Drinking and driving is considered one of the most severe traffic offences in the UAE.
- If a driver is found to be driving under the influence of alcohol, the authorities may impound their vehicle for up to 60 days, in addition to imposing a hefty fine.
- The severity of the penalty imposed depends on the level of alcohol detected in the driver’s blood. In addition to the fine and impounding of your vehicle, you could also face imprisonment.
- To avoid such situations, it is always advisable to refrain from drinking and driving. If you do plan to drink, make alternative transportation arrangements, such as using a taxi or designated driver, to ensure the safety of yourself and others on the road.
- It is crucial to understand that driving under the influence of alcohol not only puts you in danger but also jeopardizes the lives of other road users.
- Note also that any incident or accident that occurs whilst you are under the influence of alcohol will not be accepted as a valid car insurance claim.
- Death by driving:
- In Dubai, if your driving results in a fatal accident, it is considered a severe offence and can result in heavy fines and penalties.
- Moreover, any claim made under your car insurance policy will be rejected. It means you will be liable for any damages or costs arising from the accident, including compensation to the victim’s family.
- Additionally, your vehicle will be impounded by the police for 60 days as part of the investigation process.
- It’s important to note that driving recklessly, speeding or not following traffic rules can lead to such accidents, and it’s crucial always to be mindful of your surroundings and drive safely to avoid such incidents.
- Leaving the scene of an incident: Leaving the scene of an incident is a severe offence in Dubai and can result in hefty fines.
- If you’re involved in an accident or traffic incident, you must deal with it responsibly.
- You should immediately call the police, ambulance, or fire brigade as required and exchange insurance details with any third parties involved.
- Failure to do so can result in a fine ranging from AED 500 for light vehicles to AED 1000 for heavy vehicles.
- In addition, leaving the scene of an incident may result in legal action against you and the rejection of any insurance claim made by you or the other party involved in the incident.
- It’s essential to take all necessary actions and follow the proper procedures to ensure you’re not penalized for leaving the scene of an incident.
- 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 supercars in the Emirates.
- However tempting, speeding is strongly discouraged and attracts hefty Dubai traffic fines and penalties: starting at a fine of AED 3,000, 23 black points on your record and, if it is a light vehicle, police seizure for 30 days.
- In addition to fines and seizures, speeding can lead to severe accidents, injuries, and fatalities. Therefore, obeying speed limits and prioritizing road safety are essential.
- 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.
- It is also important to mention that repeated violations can result in the suspension or revocation of the driver’s license, which can significantly affect their ability to drive in the future.
- Therefore, all drivers in Dubai must follow traffic signals and regulations for their safety and the safety of others.
- Using a mobile phone whilst driving: Using a mobile phone while driving is a dangerous and illegal practice in Dubai.
- It diverts the driver’s attention from the road, putting the driver and other road users at risk. The fine for this offence is around AED 800, and the driver also gets four black points on their driving record.
- To avoid the temptation of using a mobile phone while driving, drivers can use a hands-free device or park in a safe place to make or receive calls.
- Many new cars also have built-in Bluetooth systems that allow drivers to make and receive calls safely without taking their eyes off the road.
- All drivers need to prioritize safety and avoid distractions while driving.
- Driving without a Valid Vehicle Registration:
- Driving without a valid vehicle registration is a severe offence in Dubai, as it violates the law and endangers other road users’ safety.
- Ensuring that your vehicle registration is always up-to-date and valid is essential.
- If caught driving without a valid registration, you will be fined AED 500, receive four black points on your driving record, and be impounded for up to 17 days.
- You may also face legal consequences, including suspension of your driver’s license and difficulty in renewing your vehicle registration.
- It’s essential to ensure you have all the necessary documents, including a valid registration card, driving license, and insurance, before driving on the roads in Dubai.
- Driving without a license plate
- Driving without a license plate is a severe offence in Dubai, making it difficult for authorities to identify the vehicle and its owner.
- If you are caught driving without a license plate, you can expect to receive a significant fine of AED 3,000 and a penalty of 24 black points on your driving record.
- The penalty for driving without a license plate is among the highest in Dubai, as it is considered a major traffic violation.
- It’s important to note that license plates in Dubai are not just a form of identification but also a way to monitor traffic violations.
- License plates must be visible and legible at all times, and it’s illegal to alter or obscure them in any way.
- If you have recently purchased a new or used vehicle, you must ensure that the license plates have been properly transferred to your name and that the registration is up to date.
- 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 or commuting to and from a place of work.
- Using your vehicle for anything else, such as transporting 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?
Below are the steps that you should follow to complete the process:
- Visit the official website of Dubai Police or RTA (Road and Transport Authority).
- Click on the “Traffic Fines” or “Traffic Services” tab.
- Choose the option “Check fines” from the dropdown menu.
- Enter the required details, such as the vehicle or driving license number and click “Search”.
- All the fines related to the vehicle or license will appear on the screen.
- Click on the “Pay Fine” option next to the appropriate penalty to pay the fine.
- Enter the payment details, such as the mode of payment (credit card, debit card, or e-wallet), and click “Pay”.
- You will see a confirmation message on the screen and a reference number.
- You can save or print the receipt for future reference.
It is important to note that not paying the fine within the stipulated time may increase the amount of the fine and other penalties. Therefore, checking and paying the fines as soon as possible is advisable to avoid any inconvenience.
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.
You can also follow the below steps:
- Visit the official website of the Dubai Police or the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).
- Look for the “Services” section on the website.
- Under the “Services” section, search for “Traffic Services” or “Drivers and Vehicles”.
- Click on “Traffic Services” or “Drivers and Vehicles”.
- Click on the “Traffic Fines” or “Driving Record” option.
- Enter your Emirates ID or driving license number and other required details.
- Click on the “Submit” or “Search” button. Your traffic record in Dubai will appear on the screen, displaying all the traffic fines and violations you have committed
Alternatively, you can visit the nearest Dubai Police station or RTA office to inquire about your traffic record. You may be required to provide identification and other documents to obtain this information.
