In Dubai, traffic laws are not just a formality—they are strictly enforced. Cameras monitor not only your speed, but also your lane position, phone usage, driving maneuvers, and even how clean your car is. Surprised? Welcome to one of the most digital cities in the world.
⚡ Key Violations and Their Consequences
🚀 Speeding
Even 1 km/h over the limit is recorded. The higher the speed — the harsher the penalty.
- AED 300 – minimum fine
- Up to AED 3000 for exceeding the limit by 60+ km/h
- 12 black points and potential vehicle impoundment for 30 days
🚦 Running a Red Light
One of the most tightly monitored violations.
- AED 1000 fine
- 12 black points
- Vehicle confiscation for 30 days
Downtown, almost every intersection has a camera — it’s nearly impossible to go unnoticed.
📱 Using a Phone While Driving
Even just holding it counts as a violation. It doesn’t matter if you’re texting or just checking the map.
- AED 800 fine
- +4 black points
🔗 Not Wearing a Seatbelt
Applies to everyone in the vehicle, not just the driver.
- AED 400 per person
- +4 black points
Don’t try to buckle up “for the camera” — the system sees more than you think.
🅿️ Illegal Parking
- AED 200–1000, depending on the location and consequences
- Blocking disabled spots or exits means higher fines and almost guaranteed towing
❗Reckless Driving, Drifting, Aggressive Behavior
Includes zig-zagging, dangerous overtakes, and unsafe lane changes.
- Up to AED 2000 fine
- 23 black points (!) — nearly the maximum
- Vehicle can be impounded for up to 60 days
🚫 Driving Without a License / Expired Documents
Treated as a criminal offense.
- Fine up to AED 5000
- Possible arrest
- For foreigners — potential deportation
🧾 Less Obvious but Real Fines
| Violation | Fine (AED) |
|---|---|
| Dirty car exterior | 500 |
| Loud exhaust | 2000 |
| Not yielding to pedestrians | 500 |
| Tailgating (too little distance) | 400 |
| Blocking an intersection | 500 |
Yes, in Dubai, you can get fined for a dirty car. Not as a metaphor—literally. It’s considered a violation of the city’s appearance standards.
💳 How and Where to Pay Fines
You can check and pay fines via:
- The RTA website
- The RTA Dubai mobile app
- Self-service kiosks
- Police stations
⛔ What Happens If You Don’t Pay
- You can’t pass vehicle inspection
- Your insurance won’t be renewed
- Vehicle registration is blocked
- At the airport, unpaid fines may surface — possibly preventing your departure
✅ Final Thoughts
Dubai doesn’t tolerate reckless driving. Here, it’s easier to just follow the rules than risk huge fines or losing your vehicle. But if you play by the book — you’ll enjoy one of the safest, most orderly driving environments in the world.