Dubai is one of the safest cities in the world, thanks to its strict law enforcement authorities. The RTA traffic laws ensure the safety and security of all citizens in the emirate. Breaching these laws is an offence and can lead to a car impound in Dubai and hefty penalties.
Motorists must know the laws guiding car impoundment in Dubai to avoid this nerve-wracking situation. Scroll down to learn the reasons for car impoundment and penalties for releasing an impounded vehicle.
Car Impoundment Laws in Dubai
Traffic laws regulate safe practices within the emirate whereas wrong practices result in a car impound in Dubai. For instance, jumping a red signal is a legal offence leading to vehicle seizure.
Decree No. 30 of 2023 stipulates all these violations and the penalties for freeing an impounded car. Knowing about these laws helps create a safe environment and avoid undue stress. Let’s discuss the cases of vehicle confiscation and associated penalties.
Mandatory Administrative Vehicle Impoundment
As per Article (2), a car impound in Dubai is mandatory under specific circumstances. Depending on the offence, the confiscation period ranges from 7 to 90 days.
On the other hand, Article (4) highlights the penalties applicable for releasing an impounded vehicle. Here is a quick overview of the violations and fines for releasing vehicles:
1. Participation in Road Races
Road racing without obtaining permission from Dubai Police is illegal to avoid damage to life and property. In any such case, a car impound in Dubai is mandatory leading to a penalty of AED 100,000 for release.
2. Riding Recreational Motorcycles
Motorists must not ride recreational (off-road) motorcycles on a paved road. It results in motorcycle confiscation and a fine of AED 50,000.
3. Modifying a Vehicle
Another offence is modifying a vehicle in a way that increases speed limits or causes loud sounds while driving. An AED 10,000 penalty is applicable for releasing vehicles.
4. Traffic Fines
Clearing traffic fines in Dubai on time is necessary to avoid legal repercussions. If traffic fines exceed AED 6,000, the police must seize the vehicle. The owner can easily recover a vehicle upon fines clearance.
5. Reckless Driving
Safely driving a car is crucial for road, life and property safety. Breaching this rule results in vehicle impoundment and a penalty of AED 50,000.
6. Evading Police
Escaping from police is also a legal offence which leads to vehicle confiscation and a penalty of AED 10,000.
7. Breaking a Traffic Signal
Traffic signals regulate traffic flow and safety and jumping a red light results in vehicle impoundment and AED 50,000 penalty.
8. Driving Without Number Plate
A number plate is necessary for all vehicles operating within the emirate. Driving without a number plate imposes a penalty of AED 10,000 for retrieving a vehicle. That said, if you are importing a car in the UAE, apply for registration and number plate issuance in the first place.
9. Watching Road Races
Drivers gathering at a point to watch road races or participate in vehicle stunts are also discouraged. The penalty for recovering the vehicle is AED 10,000.
10. Tinting
Dubai permits a specific tinting percentage, exceeding which results in vehicle confiscation and an AED 10,000 penalty. This percentage must not exceed 50% for windows and no windscreen tinting for car owners. On the other hand, tinting is not permitted for taxis and trucks.
11. Counterfeit Number Plate
Using a fake, concealed or counterfeit number plate is a legal offence. Drivers must pay an AED 50,000 penalty to retrieve their vehicle.
12. Damaging a Police Vehicle
Another case of impoundment is deliberately damaging or crashing into a police vehicle. A penalty of AED 50,000 is applicable for releasing the vehicle.
13. Underage Driving
The legal age to drive in Dubai is 18 and driving under this age is not permitted. The consequences are vehicle confiscation and a penalty of AED 50,000 for release.
Discretionary Administrative Vehicle Impoundment
Article (3) stipulates that the Dubai Police may confiscate a vehicle except for the cases mentioned above. For such cases, the Commander-in-Chief issues a resolution highlighting the reasons and maximum confiscation period.
As per Article (4), the vehicle is subject to release only after the end of the impoundment period or fine clearance. The penalty for releasing a vehicle is AED 100 per day for light vehicles and AED 200 per day for heavy vehicles.
Other Cases
Article (5) states penalties for a vehicle re-impoundment within one year of the last confiscation. In such cases, both the confiscation period and penalty are doubled. However, the maximum confiscation period is 90 days and the penalty is AED 200,000.
Another severe case is when a non-UAE heavy vehicle driver crosses a red light. Dubai Police deports the driver from the UAE in this case.
How to Retrieve Vehicles
An impounded vehicle is released upon completion of the confiscation period and fine payment. The owner must retrieve it after the impoundment period. Otherwise, a fine of AED 50 is imposed per day after the end of the period.
In Dubai, the traffic fines can be checked and paid using the Dubai Police website. Learn everything about checking traffic fines in the UAE.
Pay the fines and apply for a vehicle release certificate from the Ministry of Interior (MOI). Follow this process to pay traffic fines in Dubai:
- Visit the Dubai Police website.
- Under ‘Traffic Services’, click on ‘Pay Against Impound’.
- Inquire using Number Plate, T.C. number, Licence Details or Ticket Details.
- Verify the end of the impoundment period.
- Pay for fines.
FAQs
Fines for car impoundment vary between AED 10,000 to AED 100,000 depending on the violations.
Dubai laws strictly prohibit carpooling due to the associated safety threats. The legal repercussions are car impoundment for 30 days, 24 black points and a fine of AED 3,000.
Now you know the cases and penalties of a car impound in Dubai. Ensure safety for everyone by adhering to traffic laws.
You must have a valid driving licence in Dubai to avoid fines. If you want to learn driving from experts, join classes at one of the best driving schools in Dubai.
Want to know more about traffic rules and regulations in Dubai? Stay tuned to the Property Finder blog.
