Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is the government body responsible for regulating the public transportation system in the city. As a Dubai resident and user of public conveyance, you must know the RTA Public Transport Rules and Violations in Dubai.
This blog covers Dubai RTA’s rules and measures for handling rule violations. Scroll down to learn more.
- RTA Public Transport Rules
- Penalties for Violating Public Transport Rules
- How to Pay Public Transport Penalties
- FAQs
RTA Public Transport Rules
RTA has framed some rules and codes of conduct for each public transport system. This authority is rigorous about following the rules mentioned below:
Bus Rules
- While waiting for the bus, stay away from the bus stop area.
- Kindly be patient and wait for the bus to stop.
- Don’t get too close to the bus doors until the driver opens them so you may enter.
- Enter the bus from the front and depart through the back. Ladies and children are allowed to leave through the front gate.
- Avoid discussion or conflicts with the bus driver.
- Do not play any musical instrument or sound-producing equipment that might irritate other passengers or the bus driver.
- While on the bus, do not beg or ask for favours.
- Press the stop bells to alight at an authorised bus stop.
- Only leave the bus once it completely stops.
- Avoid taking heavy bags and hazardous goods. Also, animals are not permitted on the bus.
- Do not leave your bags on the platform or on the bus.
Metro and Tram Rules
RTA has a certain set Dubai Metro, Tram and Trolley rules and fines.
- Don’t push other passengers.
- Respect the personal space of others.
- Kindly move along the platform.
- Make way for other passengers.
- Settle down into the cabins.
- Before getting on, kindly allow passengers to get off the train.
- Store all the luggage in the allocated luggage space provided in each cabin.
- Each passenger is allowed to take two suitcases:
- One large suitcase (measuring less than 81cm x 58cm x 30cm).
- One small suitcase (measuring less than 55cm x 38cm x 20cm).
Penalties for Violating Public Transport Rules
Road and Transport Authority manages a comprehensive public transport in Dubai, including buses, trams, and trains. The government authority is responsible for convenient and safe travel and ensuring these penalties are in place for smooth operations.
RTA Public Transport Penalties – Not Paying Fare
| Rules Violation | Penalties |
| Using public transport or entering existing fare zones without paying the required fare | AED 200 |
| Traveling without a NOL card | AED 200 |
| Using an expired or someone else’s card | AED 200 |
| Issuing NOL cards without the authority’s approval | AED 200 |
| Using a fake or duplicate card | AED 500 |
RTA Public Transport Penalties – Non-Compliance
| Rules Violation | Penalties |
| Entering restricted areas or areas allocated for other categories | AED 100 |
| Placing your feet on public transportation seats | AED 100 |
| Sit or stand in non-passenger places | AED 100 |
| Non-compliance with the authority’s or inspector’s orders | AED 200 |
| Selling or promoting products on public transport | AED 200 |
| Non-compliance with guidelines on the sign boards | AED 200 |
RTA Public Transport Penalties – Behavioral Violations
| Rules Violation | Penalties |
| Sit in places allocated for other categories | AED 100 |
| Chewing gum on public transportation | AED 100 |
| Eating and drinking in restricted areas | AED 100 |
| Sleeping in prohibited areas | AED 300 |
| Parking in places for longer than allowed | AED 100/day Up to AED 1000 |
| Causing any difficulty on public transportation | Bus: AED 1000 Metro and Tram: AED 2000 |
| Destruction or damage to equipment and seats on public transportation | Bus: AED 200 Metro and Tram: AED 100 |
RTA Public Transport Penalties – Health Violations
| Rules Violation | Penalties |
| Smoking on public transport | AED 100 |
| Spitting or throwing litter | AED 100 |
| Traveling with pets except for dogs with blind people to guide them | AED 200 |
RTA Public Transport Penalties – Safety Violations
| Rules Violation | Penalties |
| Jumping or climbing on public transport | AED 100 |
| Trying to leave the vehicle before it completely stops | AED 100 |
| Carrying items that can annoy other passengers | AED 100 |
| Distracting the driver | AED 200 |
| Travelling in while drunk or having alcohol | AED 500 |
| Carrying hazardous materials such as flammables or weapons | AED 1000 |
| Misuse of emergency exits and tools | AED 2000 |
| Misuse of lifts and escalators | Bus: AED 200 Metro and Tram: AED 100 |
Other Dubai Tram Penalties
| Rules Violation | Penalties |
| Throwing litter on the tracks | AED 500 |
| Crossing tracks from restricted areas | AED 1000 |
| Visiting prohibited areas | AED 1000 |
| Interfering with the tram’s functioning or safety | AED 2000 |
| Unauthorised tram interceptions on the rails | AED 3000 |
How to Pay Public Transport Penalties
You can pay fines for public transport penalties online using RTA’s official website. The process to pay public transport fines is simple to follow and requires three easy steps given below:
- Step 1: Search for a fine by entering the fine number, Emirates ID, or Passport number
- Step 2: Review fine details
- Step 3: Confirm and pay the fine online via credit or debit card (Visa or Mastercard)
FAQs
Visit RTA’s official website and click the fines inquiry option. Then, you will have to enter your Emirates ID number to get information about fines.
To operate a NOL card, you must have a balance of at least AED 7.5 in your account.
Yes, sleeping in a passenger shelter or at stations is prohibited. Doing so can cost you a fine of AED 300.
No, sharing an NOL Card is strictly prohibited. If you let someone else use your NOL card, you will get a fine of AED 200
This blog outlines all the relevant information on RTA Public Transport rules and violations in Dubai and lists the penalties for breaching them. To help you get around, you can read more about public transport in the UAE.
