Car towing in Dubai: reasons and how to avoid it

You parked your car, went to the shopping center, came back, and your car is gone. Sound familiar? This happens quite often in Dubai, and it comes as a real shock to tourists: where to look for the car, how much will you have to pay, and how could this have happened in the first place?

It's not that the local authorities are being malicious, it's just that the parking rules here are strict and strictly enforced. It's especially difficult to navigate for those who are driving in the UAE for the first time. Signs, markings, time restrictions, and paid parking zones are easy to overlook when there are so many new impressions around.

In this article, we will look at the most common reasons for cars being towed in Dubai. We will consider both non-obvious prohibitions and classic mistakes made by tourists.

Car towing in Dubai is a way to maintain order on the roads and ensure traffic safety. Let's take a look at the most common reasons why cars are towed away.

The most common reason for towing is illegal parking. Dubai strictly monitors that cars do not obstruct traffic or pose a safety hazard. Even if a spot seems convenient, check the signs and markings first.

Dubai actively uses a paid parking system, especially in central areas. If you park in a blue-marked zone, you must pay for parking via a parking meter or mobile app. If you forget or don't have time, you risk finding that your car is no longer there. Inspectors regularly check paid parking zones, and unpaid parking almost always results in your car being towed.

In Dubai, many streets have temporary parking restrictions—this is necessary for cleaning roads, ensuring the smooth flow of public transport, or unloading commercial areas. Such rules are especially common in central areas, near markets, business centers, and densely built-up residential complexes.

How can you tell if temporary restrictions are in effect?
Signs are placed on the road indicating the period when parking is prohibited. The format of the sign may vary:

• “No parking 8:00 a.m.–10:00 a.m.”;
• “Parking prohibited weekdays 7:00–9:00” (prohibition on weekdays);
• “No stopping Mon–Fri 16:00–19:00” (complete prohibition on stopping on weekdays in the evening).

In Dubai, a vehicle with serious malfunctions may be towed away as a precautionary measure to reduce the risk of accidents and ensure road safety.

Towing is usually prompted by obvious problems:

• faulty brakes or steering;
• missing or illegible license plates; 
• non-functioning headlights; 
• brake lights;
• turn signals. 

Inspectors will also pay attention to significant leaks of technical fluids, critically worn or damaged tires, and visible damage to the bodywork that could interfere with movement (for example, an unsecured hood that could suddenly open while driving).

Cars parked in clear violation of safety rules will also be towed away. For example, if a car is left on a steep incline or decline without the parking brake engaged or without the transmission locked (in “P” mode for automatic transmissions), there is a risk that it will roll away and create an emergency situation. 

Parking across the roadway, in tunnels, on bridges or overpasses (if there are no designated parking spaces), too close to turns (when the car blocks the view of other drivers), or on railroad crossings is considered dangerous.

To avoid being towed, check the main systems of your car before setting off: brakes, steering, lights, tire condition, and fluid levels. When parking, always apply the handbrake and select the correct gear—this is especially important on slopes. 

Try to park your car only in permitted areas, without blocking traffic or obstructing other road users.

Even a brief stop can result in towing if it creates a dangerous or obstructive situation on the road, such as causing a traffic jam or obstructing drivers' visibility at an intersection. Dubai inspectors act quickly and can call a tow truck within minutes of recording a violation.

To avoid such problems, always pay attention to road signs and markings. If you need to stop for a short time, choose a permitted place where you will not interfere with other road users. This will save you time, nerves, and unnecessary expenses.

Preventing a problem is always easier than dealing with its consequences. Here are a few tips to help you avoid having your car towed in Dubai.

Before parking, be sure to check road signs and markings, even if the spot looks suitable. Dubai uses international symbols, but there are also local peculiarities. 

Pay attention to:

• “No Parking” and “No Stopping” signs — they do not allow you to leave your car even for a couple of minutes;
• blue markings – these indicate paid parking zones;
• yellow markings – these indicate that parking is prohibited here;
• time restrictions on signs (e.g., “No parking 08:00-10:00”) – parking may be permitted at certain times and prohibited at others.

To avoid problems, it is best to leave your car in official parking lots located near shopping centers, hotels, or tourist attractions. Often, such parking is provided to visitors free of charge, and the main advantage is that you are guaranteed not to violate the rules and avoid the risk of a fine or towing.

If you are traveling to busy areas such as Downtown Dubai or Dubai Marina, plan ahead where you will leave your car. Look for large parking lots or metro stations with Park & Ride options—this will save you time and money compared to searching for a spot in the city center.

When renting a car, carefully read the rental company's rules. Some prohibit leaving cars in certain areas or require notification of long-term parking. Violation of these conditions may result not only in towing, but also in additional fines from the rental company—it is best to clarify everything in advance.

Even experienced drivers sometimes find themselves in this situation. The main thing is to act quickly and correctly.

Has your car been towed? Follow the plan: we explain how to quickly get your car back and avoid unnecessary complications.

If you can't find your car where you left it, start looking for it immediately. There are several ways to find out where it has been taken:

1. Call the Dubai Traffic Police on 999. Operators will check the information and tell you whether your car has been towed and to which impound lot it has been taken. Be prepared to provide the car's license plate number and the location where you left it.
2. Use the RTA Dubai app. Open the “Vehicle Inquiry” section and check the status of the car by its license plate number — this is a quick and convenient way to get up-to-date information without making any calls.
3. Contact your rental company's customer service. If you rented a car, the staff will help you figure out the situation: they will provide you with the contact details of the impound lot, advise you on the return procedure, and, if necessary, contact the responsible services on your behalf.

Once you have located your vehicle, proceed with its return. Follow these steps:

Obtain a return permit. This can be obtained from the nearest police station or through the RTA app. Without this document, the vehicle will not be released.

1. Pay all charges. You will need to cover the traffic violation fine that resulted in the car being towed (usually between AED 300 and AED 500), the cost of towing (on average AED 200-500), and the impound storage fee (approximately AED 100/day). Payment is usually accepted in cash or by card directly at the impound lot.
2. Prepare your documents. You must have your passport, driver's license, rental agreement (if the car is rented), or documents for your own car with you.
3. Pick up your car. Before leaving, carefully inspect the car for any damage that may have occurred during towing or storage. If you notice any scratches, dents, or other defects, immediately record them in a photo or video and report them to the parking lot staff—this will help avoid disputes in the future.

Knowing local rules and being attentive is the best protection against unpleasant surprises. Rent a car in Dubai with BKF‑auto, and we will help you understand local rules and make your trip comfortable and safe!