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 fine number, and your justification for why it is incorrect.
  • Upload all the supporting documents or evidence. Select ‘Submit’.
  • Once you have submitted your dispute form, you will receive a dispute application reference number.

The RTA will update the status of the dispute (approved/rejected) through SMS within 30 working days from the date of receipt of the appeal. This duration may be extended if required, according to RTA’s website.

If your application is approved, the fine is cancelled in RTA’s system. If you have already paid the fine, you will receive the refund amount in your bank account within five days.

Fee: Free of charge

Step 4: Escalate the dispute

If your dispute was rejected by the Dubai Police, and you still want to take it forward, you can submit an objection request to Dubai Public Prosecution. At this stage, you are moving beyond a customer service portal and into an official, legal process, wherein you are submitting a formal objection to the prosecutor or judge.

Required documents

For this process, you will require the following:

  • Emirates ID or passport details (for visitors).
  • Driving licence.
  • Vehicle registration (or Mulkiya) card.
  • A copy of the Power of Attorney, if an agent is submitting the application on your behalf.
  • Traffic violation details, including the fine number and date it was issued by Dubai Police.
  • Supporting evidence.

Dispute the fine via Dubai Public Prosecution

Follow these steps to formally file a complaint online.

  • Visit Dubai Public Prosecution’s website – dxbpp.gov.ae.
  • On the home page, select ‘Request to Object a Traffic Fine’.
  • Enter your personal information, including your full name as per your passport, whether you are a UAE citizen, resident or visitor, your nationality and date of birth, and your email address.
  • Select the type of traffic fine you are disputing, from the drop-down menu.
  • Enter your vehicle details, including the plate number, code, source, and type, as well as your driving licence number.
  • Enter your traffic fine details, including the fine number and date issued.
  • Provide your address details, including your emirate of residence, area, building name, villa number or apartment number.
  • Enter your mobile number (the same number that is registered with your Emirates ID). A verification message will be sent to you before you proceed to the next step.
  • Describe the traffic violation: The explanation must be in Arabic – submissions in English are automatically rejected. Avoid pasting translated text, as a poorly drafted justification can be the reason why your case is rejected. Instead, the Dubai Public Prosecution website recommends using the services of legal Arabic translators to translate your text, or assist with the application. Legal consultation is also an option.
  • Attach the required documents, including a copy of the traffic violation notice and any supporting evidence.

Before submitting the request, confirm the following:

  • The traffic violation has not been contested before any other authority.
  • The fine has not yet been paid.
  • The details provided in the application are accurate and truthful.

The processing time is typically 10 working days. According to the Dubai Public Prosecution website, Traffic Prosecution reviews the application and attachments, and then provides a verdict of acceptance or rejection. If accepted, the applicant must attend Traffic Court at the stipulated time and date.

Fee: Free of charge