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The Shocking Reality of Traffic Fines in the UAE

Are you prepared to pay up to Dh80,000 in traffic fines? Unfortunately, this is the harsh reality for some UAE residents. A recent poll by Khaleej Times revealed that over 500 people have accumulated fines of more than Dh20,000.

The High Cost of Speeding

Emirati driver H. K. is one such individual who accumulated a staggering Dh80,000 in fines in 2023, mainly due to speeding. “Most of them were speeding fines,” she said. “Some I did not know about, but I knew I had been speeding in some cases. Most of it happened on long drives when I was unsure of the speed limits.” Besides speeding, she also received fines for lane discipline and using a mobile phone while driving.

Budgeting for Fines

Indian expat Shanil Abdul Rahman sets aside Dh2,000 each year for fines, but despite his best efforts, he has already racked up Dh1,400 in fines this year. German expat Maheen Husainy also considers fines when making important decisions, like deciding where to live.

A Lesson Learned

Pakistani expat Sara K. shared a story about her younger brother, who accumulated a massive Dh30,000 in fines when he first got his license. “It was like a bomb that was dropped on the family,” she recalled. After that, strict regulations were put in place, and her brother learned a valuable lesson.

From Fines to a Fine Driver

Emirati driver Noora T. got a wake-up call when she received Dh6,000 in fines in 2018. “I decided I would not get a fine again,” she said. And indeed, she hasn’t received a single fine since then.

UAE Traffic Fine Breakdown

Here’s a reminder of some of the fines and penalties in the UAE:

• Driving in a way that poses danger to drivers’ life or lives and safety of others: Fine of Dh2000 and 23 black points. Vehicle is confiscated for 60 days
• Using a hand-held mobile phone while driving: Fine of Dh800 and 4 black points
• Jumping a red signal by light vehicles: Fine of Dh1000 and 12 black points. Vehicle is confiscated for 30 days
• Exceeding speed limit by more than 80km/h: Fine of Dh1000 and 12 black points. Vehicle is confiscated for 30 days
• Entering a road dangerously: Fine of Dh600 and 6 black points
• Driving a vehicle with an expired driving license: Fine of Dh500 and 4 black points. Vehicle is confiscated for 7 days
• Allowing children under 10 years old or under 145cm to sit in front seats: Fine of Dh400