Traffic fines in Dubai: amounts, verification, and payment methods

14.10.2025

Dubai is a city of contrasts, where modern technology blends harmoniously with a rich heritage of Arab culture and hospitality. But despite the atmosphere of luxury and freedom, there is strict order on the roads here. If you plan to rent a car in Dubai, it is important to familiarize yourself with the penalty system in advance to avoid unpleasant surprises and additional expenses during your trip.

In this article, we will tell you in detail about traffic fines in Dubai and the UAE in 2025 and other useful information that will be useful to anyone who wants to travel around Dubai confidently and without unnecessary problems.

Penalty system in Dubai and the UAE

The United Arab Emirates is renowned for having one of the most advanced and technologically sophisticated traffic control systems in the world. Local authorities are actively investing in innovative technologies that ensure reliable enforcement of traffic rules, and the number of fatal accidents in the UAE has decreased significantly in recent years.

The penalty system in Dubai is based on the principles of inevitability of punishment and transparency. Each violation is recorded, processed, and brought to the attention of the driver. At the same time, the fines are substantial enough to motivate drivers to obey the rules.

How the violation detection system works

The roads of Dubai and other emirates are equipped with modern CCTV cameras that operate around the clock. The system for recording violations includes:

Fixed cameras. Installed on major roads, they record speeding, running red lights, and other violations.

Mobile radars. Used by the police to monitor speed in various locations.

Traffic light cameras. Record vehicles running red lights.

Lane monitoring cameras. Track violations of lane rules.

License plate recognition systems. Allow identification of vehicles with unpaid fines.

It is important to understand that cameras in Dubai record not only speeding, but also many other violations: not wearing a seatbelt, using a phone while driving, dangerous driving, and even a dirty car.

Ways to receive notification of fines

After a traffic violation is recorded, the information is sent to a single database. Drivers receive notifications of fines in several ways:

SMS messages — if the phone number is registered in the system
Email — if the email address is in the database
Mobile apps — Dubai Police, RTA Dubai, and other official apps
Postal notifications — sent to the car owner's address

If you rent a car from BKF-Auto, all fines received during the rental period will be recorded on the car. The company will notify you of any fines and help you pay them, but the driver is responsible for the violations.

Speeding fines in Dubai

Speeding is one of the most common violations among drivers in Dubai. Speed limits are strictly enforced on all roads in the emirate, and cameras record even minor violations.

Grading fines by level of excess

The amount of the fine for speeding in Dubai depends on how much you exceeded the speed limit:

Speeding up to 20 km/h:
- Fine: 300 dirhams (≈82 USD)
- Black points: none
Speeding up to 41-50 km/h:
- Fine: 1,000 dirhams (≈272 USD)
- Black points: 6
Speeding up to 21-30 km/h:
- Fine: 600 dirhams (≈163 USD)
- Black points: 3
Speeding up to 51-60 km/h:
- Fine: 1,500 dirhams (≈408 USD)
- Black points: 12
Speeding up to 31-40 km/h:
- Fine: 700 dirhams (≈191 USD)
- Black points: 6
Speeding by more than 60 km/h:
- Fine: 3,000 dirhams (≈817 USD)
- Black points: 23
- Additional penalty: vehicle confiscation for 60 days

Black dots in Dubai are a system of penalty points for drivers who violate traffic rules.

It is important to note that Dubai has an unspoken “buffer” rule—cameras usually only start recording speeding violations after +20 km/h over the set limit. However, it is better not to rely on this, as the system is subject to change.

Additional sanctions and consequences

In addition to a monetary fine and black marks, serious speeding can result in:

Confiscation of the vehicle – for a period of 30 to 60 days for exceeding the speed limit by more than 50 km/h
Detention of the driver – in the case of particularly dangerous driving

Increased insurance costs – if you accumulate violations
Problems with visa renewal – unpaid fines can become a big problem in the future

Driving through a red light

Violating traffic rules at intersections is one of the most severely punished offenses in Dubai.

Penalty for running a red light: amount and consequences

Running a red light in Dubai is punished particularly severely:

Fine: 1,000 dirhams (≈272 USD)
Black points: 12
Additional punishment: confiscation of the vehicle for 30 days (in some cases)

Important: this violation is considered one of the most serious, as it creates a high risk of an accident. 12 black points is half the maximum number at which a driver's license can be revoked.

Cameras at traffic lights in Dubai are installed at almost every intersection and record violations when a vehicle crosses the stop line at a red light.

Even if you have only crossed the line by a few centimeters, the violation will be recorded.

Penalty for yellow and flashing signal

Many drivers mistakenly believe that a yellow traffic light allows them to proceed, but this is not the case in Dubai:

Proceeding on a yellow light:

Fine: 1,000 dirhams (≈272 USD)
Black points: 12

A yellow light means you must stop if it is safe to do so.
Driving through a yellow light is equivalent to driving through a red light and is punished similarly.
Flashing red light: Means you must stop before the intersection.

Common fines in Dubai for traffic violations

In addition to speeding and running red lights, there are many other violations that are subject to fines. Let's take a look at the most common ones.

Parking fines in Dubai

Parking in Dubai is a separate issue that requires attention. The city has paid parking zones, and parking violations are punishable by fines:

Illegal parking:

Fine: 200-500 dirhams (≈54-136 USD) depending on the severity of the violation

Parking in a disabled parking space:

Fine: 1,000 dirhams (≈272 USD)

Unpaid parking in a paid zone:

Fine: 200 dirhams (≈54 USD)

Parking on a pedestrian crossing:

Fine: 500 dirhams (≈136 USD)
Black points: 4

Parking in a taxi or bus zone:

Fine: 500 dirhams (≈136 USD)

Parking on the sidewalk:

Fine: 400 dirhams (≈109 USD)

Important: Dubai has a paid parking system, which is indicated by special signs. You can pay for parking via apps.

Penalty for driving without a license in Dubai

Driving without a license is a serious offense:

Driving without a license:

Fine: 5,000-10,000 dirhams (≈1,361-2,722 USD)
Vehicle confiscation
Possible detention

Driving with an expired license:

Fine: 500 dirhams (≈136 USD)

Driving without an international license (for tourists):

Fine: 500 dirhams (≈136 USD)

A valid driver's license is required to rent a car from BKF-Auto. Tourists must have an international driver's license or a license from certain countries that are recognized in the UAE.

Penalty for a dirty car in Dubai

This violation often surprises tourists, but in Dubai there really is a fine for a dirty car:

Driving a dirty car:

Fine: 500-3,000 dirhams (≈136-817 USD)
Depending on the degree of dirtiness

This rule is related to the city's image and aesthetic requirements. Cars with dirty license plates are particularly strictly controlled, as this makes it difficult for cameras to identify them.

Unfastened seat belt

Seat belts are mandatory for all passengers in a vehicle:

Driver without a seat belt:

Fine: 400 dirhams (≈$109)
Black points: 4

Passenger without a seat belt:

Fine: 400 dirhams (≈$109)
The driver pays the fine

Cameras in Dubai are equipped with recognition technology that can determine whether the driver and front passenger are wearing seat belts. It is important to remember that the driver is responsible for all passengers.

Using a mobile phone

Using a mobile phone while driving is strictly prohibited:

Talking on the phone while driving:

Fine: 800 dirhams (≈218 USD)
Black points: 4

Using a phone to send text messages:

Fine: 800 dirhams (≈218 USD)
Black points: 4

Modern cameras are capable of detecting drivers holding a phone in their hand. Only communication systems built into the car are permitted.

Violations during the transportation of children

Child safety in cars is a priority for the UAE authorities:

Child under 4 years old without a child seat:

Fine: 400 dirhams (≈109 USD)
Black points: 4

Child in the front seat (under 10 years old):

Fine: 400 dirhams (≈109 USD)
Penalty points: 4

Other common disorders

Dangerous driving:

Fine: 2,000 dirhams (≈545 USD)
Black points: 23
Vehicle confiscation for 60 days

Sudden lane change:

Fine: 1,000 dirhams (≈272 USD)
Penalty points: 4

Driving in the wrong lane:

Fine: 3,000 dirhams (≈817 USD)
Penalty points: 12
Vehicle impounded for 30 days

Driving under the influence:

Fine: 25,000+ dirhams (≈6,806+ USD)
License suspension
Imprisonment
Deportation for non-residents

No insurance:

Fine: 500 dirhams (≈136 USD)
Vehicle confiscation

Failure to maintain distance:

Fine: 400 dirhams (≈109 USD)
Black points: 4

The black spot system in the United Arab Emirates

In addition to monetary fines, the UAE has a black point system, which is an additional mechanism for monitoring compliance with traffic regulations.

How the points system works

Black points are awarded for serious traffic violations. The system works as follows:

Each violation from a specific list adds a certain number of black points to your driving record.
Points accumulate for one year from the date of the violation.
After one year from the date of the violation, the points are automatically canceled.
The maximum number of points that results in serious consequences is 24.

Consequences of blackhead accumulation

Accumulating black points has serious consequences:

When you accumulate 12 points:

Warning from the traffic police
Recommendation to take safe driving courses

When you accumulate 24 points:

Driving license revoked for 3 months (for UAE citizens)
Driving license revoked for 6 months (for residents)
License revocation (for tourists)
Requirement to retake the exam

Repeated accumulation of 24 points (within one year after license reinstatement):

License suspension for 6 months (for UAE citizens)
License suspension for 1 year (for residents)

How to check fines

Checking for fines in Dubai and the UAE is a simple and accessible procedure. There are several ways to find out about unpaid fines:

Through the official Dubai Police website.
Through the Dubai Police mobile app.
Through the RTA Dubai app.
Through SMS.
Through the UAE Ministry of Interior website.
At the rental company's offices.

What you need to check:

Vehicle number
License plate code
Driver's license number (to check for black marks)

We recommend checking for fines regularly, especially before the end of the car rental period or before leaving the country.

Methods of paying fines

The UAE authorities offer a variety of convenient ways to pay fines. It is important to pay fines on time to avoid additional penalties.

Online payments

There are several convenient ways to pay fines in Dubai. One of the easiest is to visit the Dubai Police website. Select the “Pay Traffic Fines” section, enter your vehicle details, and select the fines you want to pay. Then, simply use your bank card to complete the payment.

You can also use mobile apps such as the Dubai Police App, RTA Dubai App, or mPay. All of them allow you to easily pay fines directly from your device by simply entering your card details.
If you prefer online banking, most banks in the UAE offer the option to pay fines through their online services.

Finally, for those who use electronic payment systems, Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, and Google Pay are available, making the process even more convenient and faster.

Offline payment methods

There are various ways to pay fines in Dubai, making the process as convenient as possible. You can pay in cash or by bank card at any police station—the stations are open daily, allowing you to choose the most convenient time.

In addition, fines are accepted at RTA (Roads and Transport Authority) service centers, where you can also pay in cash or by card. These centers are usually open from 7:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

If you prefer to use ATMs, many of them in the UAE offer the option of paying fines. Simply select “Government Services,” then “Traffic Fines,” enter your vehicle details, and complete the payment.
Large shopping malls also have self-service kiosks for paying fines, which is another convenient option.

Deadlines and consequences of non-payment of fines

Paying fines on time is an important responsibility for drivers in the UAE. Failure to pay fines can have serious consequences.

Payment deadlines: There is no official deadline for paying the fine – you can pay it at any time. However, the longer the fine remains unpaid, the more problems it can cause.

Consequences of non-payment of fines:

Problems with vehicle registration renewal: it is impossible to renew vehicle registration if there are unpaid fines.
Visa problems: unpaid fines may prevent you from renewing your visa. You may also experience delays at the border when leaving the country.
Travel ban: if you have large unpaid fines, you may be banned from leaving the country. You may be detained at the airport until all fines are paid.
Vehicle confiscation: If you accumulate a significant amount of unpaid fines, your vehicle may be confiscated.
Legal proceedings: In particularly serious cases, failure to pay fines may result in legal proceedings.
Additional fees: Although no interest is charged on fines, there may be additional administrative fees.

Frequently asked questions

Useful tips for drivers

To avoid fines and enjoy safe driving in Dubai, follow these recommendations:

Observe speed limits.
Be careful at traffic lights.
Park correctly.
Follow safety rules.
Keep an eye on the condition of your car.

Learn the UAE traffic rules.
Use navigation.
Check for fines regularly.
Be especially careful during rush hour.
Respect other road users.

Conclusion

The penalty system in Dubai and the UAE may seem strict, but it is designed to ensure the safety of all road users. High fines and a black point system effectively motivate drivers to obey the rules, making Dubai's roads some of the safest in the world.

Enjoy driving in Dubai, obey the traffic rules, and may your journey be smooth and penalty-free!