Frequently Asked
Questions

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is the main governmental agency responsible for transportation infrastructure and regulations in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Established in 2005, the RTA oversees road projects, public transportation, traffic management, and the enforcement of traffic laws, including the issuance and collection of traffic fines in the emirate.

You can check your Dubai RTA fines through several methods:

1. Online: Through the official RTA website, Dubai Police website, or various UAE government apps (Dubai Drive, RTA Dubai, Dubai Police App)
2. SMS: Send an SMS with your plate information to designated RTA numbers
3. Phone: Call the RTA customer service at 800-9090
4. In Person: Visit any RTA customer happiness center
5. Kiosks: Use RTA self-service kiosks located throughout Dubai

You will typically need your vehicle plate details, traffic file number, or driver's license information to check your fines.

RTA fines remain in the system indefinitely until they are paid. There is no automatic expiration of traffic fines in Dubai. Unpaid fines will continue to accumulate and may prevent you from renewing your vehicle registration, driver's license, or completing other RTA transactions. Additionally, unpaid fines may result in legal actions or travel restrictions in severe cases.

Failing to pay Dubai RTA fines can result in several consequences:

1. Inability to renew vehicle registration: You cannot renew your vehicle's registration until all outstanding fines are cleared
2. License renewal issues: Your driver's license renewal may be blocked
3. Additional fees: Late payment fees may be applied in certain cases
4. Legal complications: Severe or numerous violations may result in legal action
5. Vehicle impoundment: For certain violations, your vehicle may be impounded
6. Travel restrictions: In extreme cases, travel bans may be implemented

It's always recommended to pay traffic fines promptly to avoid these consequences.

Dubai RTA fines can be paid through multiple channels:

1. Online payments: Via the official RTA website or mobile application
2. Mobile applications: Dubai Drive, RTA Dubai, Dubai Police App, or banking apps
3. RTA Customer Happiness Centers: In-person payment at any RTA center
4. Authorized banks: Many UAE banks accept RTA fine payments in-branch or through ATMs
5. Self-service kiosks: Located throughout Dubai in malls and government facilities
6. Telephone banking: Through your bank's telephone banking service
7. Digital wallets: Services like Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, or local options

Most payment methods accept credit cards, debit cards, and direct bank transfers.

Yes, Dubai occasionally offers discount initiatives on traffic fines. These are typically announced by the Dubai government or police during special periods or celebrations. Common discount periods include:

• National Day celebrations: Discounts around UAE National Day (December)
• Year of Tolerance initiatives: Special discount periods announced by the government
• Early payment incentives: Some violations may have reduced rates if paid within specified timeframes

Discount rates typically range from 25% to 100% depending on the nature of the violation and the specific initiative. To benefit from these discounts, you should monitor official announcements and pay during the designated discount periods. Note that not all violations qualify for discounts, particularly serious offenses or violations related to dangerous driving.

Yes, in certain cases, Dubai RTA offers installment payment plans for traffic fines, especially for accumulated large amounts. To request an installment plan:

1. Visit an RTA Customer Happiness Center in person
2. Provide your Emirates ID and other required identification
3. Request the installment plan option
4. Complete the necessary paperwork

Approval is subject to assessment of your specific situation. Some banks also offer installment plans when paying fines with their credit cards. These typically divide the payment into monthly installments with potential interest charges, depending on your bank's policies.

While Dubai RTA fines don't typically have a strict payment deadline with automatic penalties for late payment, they must be cleared before certain transactions can be completed. This includes:

• Vehicle registration renewal: All fines must be paid before renewing your vehicle's registration
• Driver's license renewal: Outstanding fines may prevent license renewal
• Vehicle export or transfer of ownership: Fines must be cleared for these transactions

It's recommended to pay fines promptly to avoid complications when these services are needed. Additionally, early payment may qualify for discounts during certain promotional periods announced by the Dubai government.

The black points system is a traffic violation penalty system implemented by Dubai Police and RTA to encourage safer driving. Key aspects include:

• Point accumulation: Points are added to a driver's traffic file when certain violations are committed
• 24-point threshold: If a driver accumulates 24 or more points within one year, their license will be suspended
• Varying points: Different violations carry different point values (from 1 to 23 points) depending on severity
• Suspension periods: First offense: 3 months, second: 6 months, third: 12 months, fourth: license revocation
• Separate from fines: Black points are applied in addition to monetary fines

The system aims to identify and penalize repeat traffic offenders and encourage adherence to traffic laws.

You can check your Dubai black points through several methods:

1. Dubai Police Website: Visit www.dubaipolice.gov.ae and use the traffic services section
2. Dubai Police App: Download the official Dubai Police smartphone application
3. RTA Website: Access through the traffic fines section at www.rta.ae
4. MOI UAE App: Use the Ministry of Interior's UAE smartphone application
5. SMS: Send a text message with your driver's license details to 2228
6. In Person: Visit any RTA customer happiness center or Dubai Police station

You'll need your traffic file number or driver's license details to check your black points status.

Black points in Dubai remain on your driving record for 12 months from the date of the violation. After this one-year period, the points are automatically removed from your traffic file. However, this does not apply to any associated fines, which must still be paid regardless of whether the black points have expired.

It's important to understand that the points are calculated on a rolling 12-month basis, not a calendar year. This means that new violations and their associated points are added to your record while older points (more than 12 months old) are simultaneously being removed.

Yes, Dubai offers several ways to reduce black points before their natural 12-month expiration:

1. Traffic awareness courses: The Dubai Police occasionally offer defensive driving and traffic awareness courses that can reduce black points. Completing these courses can typically reduce 8 black points from your record.

2. Good behavior period: If you maintain a clean driving record (no new violations) for a specified period, you may be eligible for point reduction.

3. Special initiatives: During certain periods, such as national celebrations or special events, the Dubai government may announce initiatives to reduce black points as part of general amnesty programs.

To take advantage of these options, you should contact the Dubai Police traffic department for the most current available programs. Note that not all violations' points can be reduced through these programs, particularly those related to serious or dangerous driving offenses.

If you believe an RTA fine was issued incorrectly, you can dispute it through the following process:

1. Gather evidence: Collect any documentation that supports your case (photos, witness statements, receipts, etc.)

2. Submit an objection: You can do this through several channels:

• In person at a Dubai Police station or RTA customer happiness center
• Through the Dubai Police website or app
• Via the Dubai Police Call Center (901)

3. Provide required information: You'll need:

• Fine reference number
• Vehicle details
• Your identification
• Supporting evidence
• Written explanation of your objection

4. Follow up: After submission, you'll receive a reference number. You can track your appeal status online or by contacting the authorities.

5. Await decision: The review process typically takes 2-4 weeks. You'll be notified of the outcome by SMS or email.

It's important to file your objection within 30 days of receiving the fine for the best chance of consideration.

When appealing a Dubai RTA fine, the following types of evidence can strengthen your case:

1. Visual evidence:

• Photographs of the location showing relevant signage, road markings, or traffic conditions
• Dashboard camera (dashcam) footage showing the actual incident
• CCTV footage if available from nearby businesses (you may need to request this quickly before it's deleted)

2. Documentation:

• Parking receipts or payment confirmations if the fine is related to parking
• Vehicle service records (if the fine is related to a vehicle defect that was already addressed)
• Medical certificates (if the violation occurred due to a medical emergency)
• Vehicle registration documents showing different plate numbers or vehicle descriptions

3. Witness statements:

• Written statements from passengers or other witnesses
• Contact information for witnesses who can verify your account

4. Technical evidence:

• GPS data showing your vehicle's location at the time of the alleged violation
• Phone records or mobile app data showing location information

The stronger and more relevant your evidence, the better your chances of a successful appeal. Evidence should be clear, time-stamped when possible, and directly related to disproving the specific violation.

The Dubai RTA fine appeal process typically takes between 2 to 6 weeks to complete, though this timeline can vary based on several factors:

• Complexity of the case: Straightforward cases may be resolved more quickly, while complex cases requiring extensive investigation may take longer

• Volume of appeals: During busy periods, processing times may be extended due to the number of appeals being handled

• Evidence verification: If your appeal requires verification of evidence or additional information from third parties, this can extend the process

• Completeness of submission: Appeals with all required documentation tend to be processed faster than those requiring follow-up

During the appeal process, the fine remains on record but may be temporarily suspended from enforcement actions. You can check the status of your appeal using the reference number provided when submitting your objection through the Dubai Police website, app, or by calling their customer service center.

When you receive a fine while driving a rental car in Dubai, the process typically works as follows:

1. Fine notification: The fine is initially registered to the rental company as the registered owner of the vehicle

2. Charge transfer: The rental company will identify you as the driver during the violation period and transfer the fine to you through one of these methods:

• Immediate charge to your credit card on file (as per rental agreement terms)
• Bill you separately for the fine amount (often with an additional administrative fee)
• Deduct the amount from your security deposit

3. Additional fees: Most rental companies charge an administrative fee (typically AED 25-100) in addition to the actual fine amount

4. Delayed fines: Some traffic violations (especially those captured by cameras) may be processed days or weeks after you've returned the vehicle. In these cases, the rental company will still charge your credit card based on the authorization you provided during the rental agreement

5. Disputing the fine: If you wish to dispute a fine received on a rental car, you'll need to work with both the rental company and the Dubai Police/RTA. The rental company may require you to pay first, then pursue a refund if your appeal is successful

It's advisable to carefully read the rental agreement's sections about traffic violations and to inspect the vehicle thoroughly before renting to avoid being charged for pre-existing issues.

For tourists and visitors to Dubai, RTA fines have several important implications:

1. Rental vehicles: If you receive fines while driving a rental car, the rental company will typically charge your credit card for the fine amount plus an administrative fee, even after you've left the country

2. International driving permits: Traffic violations may be recorded against your international driving permit or the temporary UAE driving authorization

3. Re-entry considerations: Significant unpaid fines could potentially create issues during future visits to the UAE, especially if there are multiple or serious violations

4. Payment options: Tourists can pay fines through the same channels as residents (online through the Dubai Police or RTA websites, through apps, or at payment kiosks)

5. Limited time for appeals: The appeal process may be challenging for tourists who have already left Dubai, making it important to address any disputed fines promptly while still in the country

6. Rental company policies: Some rental companies may hold additional security deposits or place authorization holds on credit cards to cover potential fines

It's advisable for tourists to familiarize themselves with basic Dubai traffic rules before driving, especially regarding speed limits, parking regulations, and lane discipline, as these are common sources of fines for visitors.

Yes, Dubai has specific fines for pedestrian violations as part of the RTA and Dubai Police traffic regulations. Common pedestrian fines include:

1. Crossing from undesignated areas: AED 400 fine for crossing roads at places other than designated pedestrian crossings (jaywalking)

2. Crossing against pedestrian signals: AED 400 fine for crossing when the pedestrian signal is red

3. Crossing in unauthorized places: AED 200 fine for crossing from areas where pedestrian crossing is prohibited

4. Not using bridges/tunnels: AED 300 fine for not using pedestrian bridges or tunnels when they are available within 100 meters

5. Obstructing traffic: AED 400 fine for pedestrians obstructing traffic flow or endangering their safety and others

6. Entering roads through barriers: AED 300 fine for entering roadways by climbing over barriers or fences

Unlike vehicle-related fines, pedestrian fines are typically issued on the spot by police officers and require immediate payment. These fines are part of Dubai's efforts to improve pedestrian safety and reduce traffic accidents involving pedestrians.