Understanding Dubai’s Traffic Fines and Black Points System - A Complete Guide
When it comes to traffic rules and regulations, Dubai is deemed one of the most disciplined yet relaxed places to drive a car. While the beautiful landscapes of Dubai are best enjoyed through roads, it is necessary to know the strict driving rules before getting behind a steering wheel. If you are also planning on driving a car on Dubai roads, make sure to go through our extensive traffic fines guide below. Here, we’ve simplified the traffic rules and the fines attached to them for you, along with providing you with an understanding of the Black Points system in Dubai.
Also Read: Dubai Traffic fines in 2024 : Complete Guide
What is Dubai’s Traffic Fine System and How Does It Work?
Now, it is important to understand that traffic rules are made for the safety of travellers on the road, and one must stick to these rules to ensure one's own safety as well as that of others. In Dubai, just like other Arabian countries, the traffic rules are stringent and violating them results in hefty fines. In fact, degree of violarions and breaking the law can result in the suspension of the license, while there are provisions that may also lead to jail time. Let’s delve below into these various traffic rules and violations to understand their fines and consequences.
- Over-Speeding Fines Including Black points
Exceeding Limit Over 80 km/h:
For the most part inside Dubai and on the outskirts, the speed limit ranges between 60-80 km/h. However, if a driver is found driving 80 km/h or higher above this limit, a fine of AED 3,000 awaits. Moreover, depending upon the overspeeding above the permissible limit, a driver can get up to 23 Black Points and even the confiscation of their license and vehicle for up to 60 days.
Exceeding Limit Over 60 km/h:
Similarly, if a driver is found driving their vehicle more than 60 km/h above the permissible speed limit, the officials will charge a fine of AED 2,000 along with 12 Black Points, depending upon the severity of driving conditions. Additionally, the vehicle of the driver can be confiscated for up to 30 days.
Exceeding Limit Less Than 60 km/h:
Lastly, if a driver is found driving less than 60 km/h above the allowed speed limit in a zone, a fine of AED 1,500 will be charged. Furthermore, the authorities will charge 6 Black Points on the license of the driver. Also, the vehicle used for speeding can be impounded for up to 15 days. - Over-Speeding Fines Without Black Points
Dubai authorities also charge drivers for over-speeding, without the black points. These are as follows:
Exceeding Speed Limit Less Than 50 km/h: AED 1,000
Exceeding Speed Limit Less Than 40 km/h: AED 700
Exceeding Speed Limit Less Than 30 km/h: AED 600
Exceeding Speed Limit Less Than 20 km/h: AED 300
- Parking Fines
Other traffic violations in Dubai include wrongly parked vehicles. These violations depend upon various factors like - wrong parking space, parking without a permit, parking on pavement, etc. The fine for these also depends on the committed violation and in some cases, the authorities can also charge with black points. Some of these are as follows:
Obstructing a fire hydrant: AED 1,000 and 6 Black Points
Occupying reserved parking spaces for the disabled: AED 1,000 and 6 Black Points
Halting in traffic without reason: AED 1,000 and 6 Black Points
Parking on the left shoulder of public roads in prohibited areas: AED 1,000
Blocking pedestrian crossings: AED 500
Parking that obstructs other vehicles: AED 500
Incorrect Parking: AED 500
Parking without maintaining a safe distance: AED 500
Parking on sidewalks: AED 400
Parking in prohibited areas: AED 500
Parking in accessible parking space without a permit: AED 1,000
Obstructing traffic: AED 200
Parking on the pavement: AED 400
- Other Important Traffic Violations
Apart from improper parking and over-speeding, Dubai traffic rules also include some other major violations that are suspected as a possible threat to other road users as well as pedestrians. Some of these include common violations like not wearing seatbelts, andwhile others include fines like jaywalking. Below is a complete list of these violations and the fines that are charged against them:
Driving without wearing a seatbelt: AED 400 fine and 4 black points
Littering from the vehicle: AED 1,000 fine and 6 black points
Operating a vehicle that causes pollution: AED 1,000 fine and 6 black points
Driving a noisy vehicle: AED 2,000 fine and 12 black points
Allowing a child to sit in the front seat: AED 1,000 fine if a child under the age of 12 is found seated in the front row of the vehicle. Additionally, children under the age of 4 are mandated to sit in the ISOFIX (child-specific) seats.
Using a phone while driving: AED 800 fine and 4 black points
Jaywalking: AED 400 fine
Driving with expired or worn-out tyres: AED 500 fine, 4 black points, and vehicle impoundment for 7 days
Driving without valid car registration or insurance: AED 500 fine, 5 black points, and vehicle confiscation for 7 days
Failing to use headlights in foggy weather or at night: AED 500 fine and 4 black points
Recklessly reversing your vehicle: AED 500 fine and 4 black points
Riding a motorcycle without a helmet: AED 500 fine and 4 black points (Both driver and passenger will be fined if they don't wear helmets)
Improper Overtaking - AED 1,000 and 6 Black Points fine
Shoulder Overtaking - AED 1,000 and 6 Black Points fine
Prohibited Area Overtaking - AED 600
Dubai-Specific Unique Traffic Rules To Know
Dubai is known for its traffic safety and it is due to the extensive measures that the traffic department has taken. Adding to the abovementioned traffic rules and regulations, Dubai also has its unique set of rules. These rules are mandated to be followed by every driver, and one found not doing that is subjected to fines and further legal proceedings. Some of these important rules are as follows:
- Driving in Dubai is on the right-hand side. If you are coming from an area where the vehicles are driven on the left-hand side, please ensure this primary rule.
- Due to religious sentiments, the use of alcohol is banned in Dubai. If you’re found driving under the influence of alcohol or any other drug, you can be jailed to a certain limit, along with the cancellation of your license and impounding of your vehicle as well. The permissible limit of driving with alcohol is 0 per cent, and it is strictly followed and ensured by the traffic regulators of Dubai authorities as well as fellow drivers.
- Make sure to never tailgate a vehicle in Dubai as it is completely illegal as well as bound with fines and black points. One must keep a distance gap of up to 5 seconds from the vehicle ahead, to ensure the road safety rules.
- The extreme left lane on Dubai highways is meant only for overtaking. No driver is allowed to use it for cruising or slow driving. Do not drive on it, unless you intend to stick to the highest permissible speed limit.
- If you see flashing lights in your rearview mirrors, stop immediately on the shoulder side of the road. It is mandated to make way for authorities with flashing lights switched on. Always be ready to stop your vehicle in any case of emergency encounter with authorities.
What is Dubai Salik and How Do Salik Fines Work?
Dubai Salik is an electronic toll gate system that has been deployed on the highways. These select toll gates collect a small amount from the registered Salik account, whenever a vehicle surpasses a Salik toll gate. Every vehicle with a Salik tag must have sufficient balance so that these electronic toll gates can easily collect the required amount to pass. However, vehicles with insufficient Salik balance and without a Salik tag have to undergo the following Salik fines:
- Vehicle With Insufficient Salik Balance - If a vehicle passes a Salik tollgate with insufficient account balance, the user is given a time of 5 working days to top-up their account. If a user fails to do so, a Salik fine of AED 50 is imposed per day on the vehicle for passing the Salik tolls.
- Vehicle Without a Salik Tag - If a vehicle without a registered Salik tag drives through the Salik toll gate, its user is given 10 working days time to register and submit the deducted amount. If a person fails to do so, a fine of AED 100 for the first time passing the Salik toll, AED 200 for the second time, and AED 400 fine for the subsequent passages, will be deducted.
What is the Black Points System?
Apart from the traffic fines, confiscation of vehicles, and suspension of licenses, Dubai also follows a very strict Black Point system for penalizing traffic violators. With the use of traffic cameras and radars, the traffic police of Dubai monitors vehicles breaking the rules and regulations closely. The drivers are then further penalized with Black Points on their license, depending on the severity of the law broken. Usually, the Black Points are given along with a stringent fine. Additionally, the black points can lead to the cancellation of a driver’s license as well as impoundment of the vehicle.
The Black Points system of Dubai is defined as follows:
- 24 Black Points - Drivers caught carrying passengers without permission or transporting hazardous materials without permission, are subjected to 24 black points. This ultimately leads to the cancellation of the license for six months.
- 23 Black Points - Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, causing death with the vehicle, causing serious injuries with the vehicle, and over-speeding more than 80 km/h in restricted areas; all of these attract a 23 black point penalty.
- 12 Black Points - Driving without proper registration and insurance, wrong overtaking, jumping red light, exceeding speed limits by more than 60 km/h, and suddenly changing directions while driving attract up to 12 black points.
The accumulation of black points helps in determining the authorities whether a driver is a regular violator or not. Also, a black point remains present on the license for a period of 12 months. A driver can accumulate up to 24 black points in a year. Post 23 black points, the driving license is suspended and remains so up to 3-6 months. After that, the driver needs to attend disciplinary classes and then pass tests to regain their license.
Useful Expert Driving Tips for Dubai
Driving in Dubai is not as tense as it may feel after reading about the strict fines and rules. Dubai is a beautiful place that has a superb road network. To enjoy it, you must hit the road but make sure to follow the below shared expert driving tips that will help in a soothing driving experience.
- Practice Patience - The basic essence of driving, as per us, is practising patience. Learn to remain calm under stressful and unwanted situations. In case of road rage, negligence by authorities, or any other circumstance, be calm and think with a cool head. Remember, taking time and revising decisions in your head before executing them, can change the consequences completely.
- Get Familiar - If you are new to Dubai, take your time and get used to Dubai’s traffic and driving conditions. Observe how the locals drive and what are the road manners that are followed by drivers. These observations can really help in maintaining positive driving hygiene.
- Use Navigation Apps - With technology inculcated nowadays in every vehicle, make sure your vehicle is loaded with a navigation system. A navigation system with live traffic updates can ease the stress of maintaining the traffic rules as it informs about upcoming traffic rule changes while driving.
- Maintain Your Vehicle - Always make sure that your vehicle is mechanically and cosmetically in good shape. A well-maintained vehicle ensures safety while travelling on unknown roads as well as on fast highways. This will not only protect you from injuries but also help in avoiding traffic fines that are based on a vehicle’s maintenance.
- Maintain Your Lane - Always remain in your lane while driving in Dubai. Also, do not overtake from the extreme shoulder of the road, as it is dangerous as well as illegal. Also, maintain a safe 5-second gap from the vehicle ahead to ensure the safety of passengers.Avoid No Parking Zones - Whilst parking your vehicle, always make sure that you park it in a validated zone or space. Never occupy an already designated parking space, as it attracts fines. Also, make sure to avoid parking around the corners of streets and roads to refrain from obstructing other vehicles.
How To Check and Pay Traffic Fines in Dubai?
Checking any pending traffic fines against your vehicle is very easy in Dubai. Dubai has a dedicated RTA mobile app as well as a website, where users can register and further check any pending fines against their vehicles. These fines can further be paid by using the same Dubai Police app or website after filling out a form that includes the information of the vehicle. Additionally, Dubai offers several payment methods, including interest-free EMIs. A few banks such as Noor Bank, provide a 0 per cent instalment plan facility to pay traffic fines above AED 500. These monthly instalments include a tenure of 3, 6 and even 12 months to pay the traffic fines.
Verdict
Dubai’s lifestyle and infrastructure is one of the best in the world. Attracting numerous tourists every year, the roads are always moving with traffic, day and night. However, the stringent traffic rules and an eagle-eye monitoring system of Dubai’s police, ensure that the road users remain in the utmost safety. If you are also going to drive on the roads of Dubai soon, make sure to follow the above-mentioned steps for a smooth experience. Also, try to avoid traffic fines by following the rules and regulations as listed by us. Let us know in the comments what you think about Dubai’s traffic rules and regulations and how these could be improved further.
When it comes to traffic rules and regulations, Dubai is deemed one of the most disciplined yet relaxed places to drive a car. While the beautiful landscapes of Dubai are best enjoyed through roads, it is necessary to know the strict driving rules before getting behind a steering wheel. If you are also planning on driving a car on Dubai roads, make sure to go through our extensive traffic fines guide below. Here, we’ve simplified the traffic rules and the fines attached to them for you, along with providing you with an understanding of the Black Points system in Dubai.
Also Read: Dubai Traffic fines in 2024 : Complete Guide
What is Dubai’s Traffic Fine System and How Does It Work?
Now, it is important to understand that traffic rules are made for the safety of travellers on the road, and one must stick to these rules to ensure one's own safety as well as that of others. In Dubai, just like other Arabian countries, the traffic rules are stringent and violating them results in hefty fines. In fact, degree of violarions and breaking the law can result in the suspension of the license, while there are provisions that may also lead to jail time. Let’s delve below into these various traffic rules and violations to understand their fines and consequences.
- Over-Speeding Fines Including Black points
Exceeding Limit Over 80 km/h:
For the most part inside Dubai and on the outskirts, the speed limit ranges between 60-80 km/h. However, if a driver is found driving 80 km/h or higher above this limit, a fine of AED 3,000 awaits. Moreover, depending upon the overspeeding above the permissible limit, a driver can get up to 23 Black Points and even the confiscation of their license and vehicle for up to 60 days.
Exceeding Limit Over 60 km/h:
Similarly, if a driver is found driving their vehicle more than 60 km/h above the permissible speed limit, the officials will charge a fine of AED 2,000 along with 12 Black Points, depending upon the severity of driving conditions. Additionally, the vehicle of the driver can be confiscated for up to 30 days.
Exceeding Limit Less Than 60 km/h:
Lastly, if a driver is found driving less than 60 km/h above the allowed speed limit in a zone, a fine of AED 1,500 will be charged. Furthermore, the authorities will charge 6 Black Points on the license of the driver. Also, the vehicle used for speeding can be impounded for up to 15 days. - Over-Speeding Fines Without Black Points
Dubai authorities also charge drivers for over-speeding, without the black points. These are as follows:
Exceeding Speed Limit Less Than 50 km/h: AED 1,000
Exceeding Speed Limit Less Than 40 km/h: AED 700
Exceeding Speed Limit Less Than 30 km/h: AED 600
Exceeding Speed Limit Less Than 20 km/h: AED 300
- Parking Fines
Other traffic violations in Dubai include wrongly parked vehicles. These violations depend upon various factors like - wrong parking space, parking without a permit, parking on pavement, etc. The fine for these also depends on the committed violation and in some cases, the authorities can also charge with black points. Some of these are as follows:
Obstructing a fire hydrant: AED 1,000 and 6 Black Points
Occupying reserved parking spaces for the disabled: AED 1,000 and 6 Black Points
Halting in traffic without reason: AED 1,000 and 6 Black Points
Parking on the left shoulder of public roads in prohibited areas: AED 1,000
Blocking pedestrian crossings: AED 500
Parking that obstructs other vehicles: AED 500
Incorrect Parking: AED 500
Parking without maintaining a safe distance: AED 500
Parking on sidewalks: AED 400
Parking in prohibited areas: AED 500
Parking in accessible parking space without a permit: AED 1,000
Obstructing traffic: AED 200
Parking on the pavement: AED 400
- Other Important Traffic Violations
Apart from improper parking and over-speeding, Dubai traffic rules also include some other major violations that are suspected as a possible threat to other road users as well as pedestrians. Some of these include common violations like not wearing seatbelts, andwhile others include fines like jaywalking. Below is a complete list of these violations and the fines that are charged against them:
Driving without wearing a seatbelt: AED 400 fine and 4 black points
Littering from the vehicle: AED 1,000 fine and 6 black points
Operating a vehicle that causes pollution: AED 1,000 fine and 6 black points
Driving a noisy vehicle: AED 2,000 fine and 12 black points
Allowing a child to sit in the front seat: AED 1,000 fine if a child under the age of 12 is found seated in the front row of the vehicle. Additionally, children under the age of 4 are mandated to sit in the ISOFIX (child-specific) seats.
Using a phone while driving: AED 800 fine and 4 black points
Jaywalking: AED 400 fine
Driving with expired or worn-out tyres: AED 500 fine, 4 black points, and vehicle impoundment for 7 days
Driving without valid car registration or insurance: AED 500 fine, 5 black points, and vehicle confiscation for 7 days
Failing to use headlights in foggy weather or at night: AED 500 fine and 4 black points
Recklessly reversing your vehicle: AED 500 fine and 4 black points
Riding a motorcycle without a helmet: AED 500 fine and 4 black points (Both driver and passenger will be fined if they don't wear helmets)
Improper Overtaking - AED 1,000 and 6 Black Points fine
Shoulder Overtaking - AED 1,000 and 6 Black Points fine
Prohibited Area Overtaking - AED 600
Dubai-Specific Unique Traffic Rules To Know
Dubai is known for its traffic safety and it is due to the extensive measures that the traffic department has taken. Adding to the abovementioned traffic rules and regulations, Dubai also has its unique set of rules. These rules are mandated to be followed by every driver, and one found not doing that is subjected to fines and further legal proceedings. Some of these important rules are as follows:
- Driving in Dubai is on the right-hand side. If you are coming from an area where the vehicles are driven on the left-hand side, please ensure this primary rule.
- Due to religious sentiments, the use of alcohol is banned in Dubai. If you’re found driving under the influence of alcohol or any other drug, you can be jailed to a certain limit, along with the cancellation of your license and impounding of your vehicle as well. The permissible limit of driving with alcohol is 0 per cent, and it is strictly followed and ensured by the traffic regulators of Dubai authorities as well as fellow drivers.
- Make sure to never tailgate a vehicle in Dubai as it is completely illegal as well as bound with fines and black points. One must keep a distance gap of up to 5 seconds from the vehicle ahead, to ensure the road safety rules.
- The extreme left lane on Dubai highways is meant only for overtaking. No driver is allowed to use it for cruising or slow driving. Do not drive on it, unless you intend to stick to the highest permissible speed limit.
- If you see flashing lights in your rearview mirrors, stop immediately on the shoulder side of the road. It is mandated to make way for authorities with flashing lights switched on. Always be ready to stop your vehicle in any case of emergency encounter with authorities.
What is Dubai Salik and How Do Salik Fines Work?
Dubai Salik is an electronic toll gate system that has been deployed on the highways. These select toll gates collect a small amount from the registered Salik account, whenever a vehicle surpasses a Salik toll gate. Every vehicle with a Salik tag must have sufficient balance so that these electronic toll gates can easily collect the required amount to pass. However, vehicles with insufficient Salik balance and without a Salik tag have to undergo the following Salik fines:
- Vehicle With Insufficient Salik Balance - If a vehicle passes a Salik tollgate with insufficient account balance, the user is given a time of 5 working days to top-up their account. If a user fails to do so, a Salik fine of AED 50 is imposed per day on the vehicle for passing the Salik tolls.
- Vehicle Without a Salik Tag - If a vehicle without a registered Salik tag drives through the Salik toll gate, its user is given 10 working days time to register and submit the deducted amount. If a person fails to do so, a fine of AED 100 for the first time passing the Salik toll, AED 200 for the second time, and AED 400 fine for the subsequent passages, will be deducted.
What is the Black Points System?
Apart from the traffic fines, confiscation of vehicles, and suspension of licenses, Dubai also follows a very strict Black Point system for penalizing traffic violators. With the use of traffic cameras and radars, the traffic police of Dubai monitors vehicles breaking the rules and regulations closely. The drivers are then further penalized with Black Points on their license, depending on the severity of the law broken. Usually, the Black Points are given along with a stringent fine. Additionally, the black points can lead to the cancellation of a driver’s license as well as impoundment of the vehicle.
The Black Points system of Dubai is defined as follows:
- 24 Black Points - Drivers caught carrying passengers without permission or transporting hazardous materials without permission, are subjected to 24 black points. This ultimately leads to the cancellation of the license for six months.
- 23 Black Points - Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, causing death with the vehicle, causing serious injuries with the vehicle, and over-speeding more than 80 km/h in restricted areas; all of these attract a 23 black point penalty.
- 12 Black Points - Driving without proper registration and insurance, wrong overtaking, jumping red light, exceeding speed limits by more than 60 km/h, and suddenly changing directions while driving attract up to 12 black points.
The accumulation of black points helps in determining the authorities whether a driver is a regular violator or not. Also, a black point remains present on the license for a period of 12 months. A driver can accumulate up to 24 black points in a year. Post 23 black points, the driving license is suspended and remains so up to 3-6 months. After that, the driver needs to attend disciplinary classes and then pass tests to regain their license.
Useful Expert Driving Tips for Dubai
Driving in Dubai is not as tense as it may feel after reading about the strict fines and rules. Dubai is a beautiful place that has a superb road network. To enjoy it, you must hit the road but make sure to follow the below shared expert driving tips that will help in a soothing driving experience.
- Practice Patience - The basic essence of driving, as per us, is practising patience. Learn to remain calm under stressful and unwanted situations. In case of road rage, negligence by authorities, or any other circumstance, be calm and think with a cool head. Remember, taking time and revising decisions in your head before executing them, can change the consequences completely.
- Get Familiar - If you are new to Dubai, take your time and get used to Dubai’s traffic and driving conditions. Observe how the locals drive and what are the road manners that are followed by drivers. These observations can really help in maintaining positive driving hygiene.
- Use Navigation Apps - With technology inculcated nowadays in every vehicle, make sure your vehicle is loaded with a navigation system. A navigation system with live traffic updates can ease the stress of maintaining the traffic rules as it informs about upcoming traffic rule changes while driving.
- Maintain Your Vehicle - Always make sure that your vehicle is mechanically and cosmetically in good shape. A well-maintained vehicle ensures safety while travelling on unknown roads as well as on fast highways. This will not only protect you from injuries but also help in avoiding traffic fines that are based on a vehicle’s maintenance.
- Maintain Your Lane - Always remain in your lane while driving in Dubai. Also, do not overtake from the extreme shoulder of the road, as it is dangerous as well as illegal. Also, maintain a safe 5-second gap from the vehicle ahead to ensure the safety of passengers.Avoid No Parking Zones - Whilst parking your vehicle, always make sure that you park it in a validated zone or space. Never occupy an already designated parking space, as it attracts fines. Also, make sure to avoid parking around the corners of streets and roads to refrain from obstructing other vehicles.
How To Check and Pay Traffic Fines in Dubai?
Checking any pending traffic fines against your vehicle is very easy in Dubai. Dubai has a dedicated RTA mobile app as well as a website, where users can register and further check any pending fines against their vehicles. These fines can further be paid by using the same Dubai Police app or website after filling out a form that includes the information of the vehicle. Additionally, Dubai offers several payment methods, including interest-free EMIs. A few banks such as Noor Bank, provide a 0 per cent instalment plan facility to pay traffic fines above AED 500. These monthly instalments include a tenure of 3, 6 and even 12 months to pay the traffic fines.
Verdict
Dubai’s lifestyle and infrastructure is one of the best in the world. Attracting numerous tourists every year, the roads are always moving with traffic, day and night. However, the stringent traffic rules and an eagle-eye monitoring system of Dubai’s police, ensure that the road users remain in the utmost safety. If you are also going to drive on the roads of Dubai soon, make sure to follow the above-mentioned steps for a smooth experience. Also, try to avoid traffic fines by following the rules and regulations as listed by us. Let us know in the comments what you think about Dubai’s traffic rules and regulations and how these could be improved further.
