How to dispute a traffic fine in Dubai: Step-by-step guide to contesting via Dubai Police, RTA and Public Prosecution

Dubai: If you’ve ever received a notification for a traffic fine, you know it’s not a pleasant feeling. But if you feel it was not merited, you can contest or dispute traffic fines. Here’s how. Can I dispute a traffic fine in Dubai? The Federal Decree-Law No. 14 of 2024 on Traffic Regulation establishes rules and regulations that drivers in the country must abide by, while the UAE Ministerial Resolution No. 178 of 2017 on the Rules and Procedures of Traffic Control sets out the penalties drivers face, if they are found violating road rules, like speeding, using the mobile phone while driving or driving in the wrong direction. If you are fined for a traffic violation you did not commit, you have the right to contest the decision through the appropriate channels provided by the Dubai Police and the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). If your request is rejected by the Dubai Police, and you believe you are still in the right, you can escalate the matter to Dubai Public Prosecution, in a legal, formal process. Steps to dispute a fine in Dubai Follow the steps below to ensure you are contesting the fine appropriately, and via the right channels. Step 1: Gather evidence It is not enough to provide your side of the story, when disputing a fine. Always provide documents or other forms of evidence, depending on the reason for the dispute, as credible proof gives authorities more information to assess whether the fine was issued correctly. Here are some examples of evidence that can be provided: Dashcam footage, to show you were not violating traffic laws at the time or date mentioned in the fine. Time-stamped photos of the road, signs or location landmarks, to show you were not in the location mentioned in the fine. Photographs as proof. For instance, to show you received a duplicate fine, or to show your licence plate number differs from the one mentioned in the ticket. Emergency or special circumstance proof, such as medical records, to show an exceptional situation prevented you from complying with traffic rules. Vehicle breakdown records to show you had no choice but to stop in a restricted location. Witness statements from other passengers, or bystanders. Step 2: Verify the source Before filing the dispute, you will need to confirm the source of the fine. If it is an issue related to parking or Salik, the fine is issued by the RTA, but if it is an issue related to moving violations, like speeding, or running red lights, the fine is issued by Dubai Police. You can verify the source of the traffic fine by checking on the Ministry of Interior’s website, or via the respective Dubai Police or RTA websites and apps. Learn how to verify traffic fines here. Step 3: File a dispute Now that you know the source of the fine, and you have gathered sufficient evidence, you can file a dispute. While the RTA provides the option of a refund if you have already paid your fine, it is important not to pay the fine for violations related to Dubai Police, as payment is treated as accepting the violation. Follow the steps below to contest the fine via the Dubai Police or RTA’s official channels. Dispute a fine via Dubai Police You can dispute a traffic fine via Dubai Police’s website or app, or visit a Dubai Police station in-person to register your complaint. For the full list of station locations, visit: dubaipolice.gov.ae/app/home/customer-centers. Follow the steps below to lodge your dispute online via the website or app, as the process is similar for both channels: Visit Dubai Police’s website – dubaipolice.gov.ae – or download the Dubai Police app from Google Play Store or Apple App Store. Log in with your UAE PASS. Navigate to ‘Traffic Services’ and select ‘Fines Inquiry and Payment’. Tap ‘Fines’. Input the fine source (Dubai Police), ticket number, and fine year. Select ‘Fine Objection’ (on the app) or ‘Violation Review’ (on the website). This is a Dubai Police service that allows for a formal request to review a traffic violation and reassess the accuracy of the recorded details. Enter your justification in the space provided and attach evidence. Select ‘Submit’. You will receive a response from the authorities within three to five working days. If your dispute has been approved, your fine will be cancelled within Dubai Police’s system. Fee : Dh20 Dispute a fine via RTA You can dispute a parking or Salik fine via the RTA’s website, app, or in-person at a Customer Happiness Centre. For the full list of Centre locations, visit: rta.ae/eservices/rtagisfindus. Follow these steps to file a dispute online, via the RTA’s website or app, as the process is similar for both channels: Visit RTA’s website – rta.gov.ae – or download the RTA Dubai app via Google Play Store or Apple App Store. Log in using your username and password, or UAE PASS details. Select ‘Services’. Navigate to the ‘Dispute Fines’ section. Choose ‘Apply for a Grievance Request’, select the ‘Fine Type’ (such as parking), and enter the information, including the fin