Living in Dubai? Here are 6 common fines you should know about
From speeding and illegal parking to Metro etiquette and social media misuse, we break down the rules Dubai residents should know, to avoid unexpected penalties.
Dubai: Startled by the flash of a radar when speeding? Or wondering why you received a penalty notification on your phone for eating lunch while on the Metro? Don’t get caught off guard.
As Dubai residents, there are certain fines that shouldn’t surprise you. The UAE is renowned for its high standards, as a country that maintains order, safety, and cleanliness. To ensure these standards are met, it enforces strict regulations, backed by advanced technology and efficient processes.
That’s where residents come in – you too, can play your part in ensuring you’re adhering to the rules, maintaining safety standards, and keeping the environment clean. To help you stay aware of the most common types of fines in Dubai, across sectors, we’ve curated a comprehensive list below.
1. Traffic and road fines
In the UAE, traffic violations can result in fines, black points and even vehicle impoundment.
Speeding: Fines for speeding range from Dh300 to Dh3,000, depending on the speed at which you are driving. Here are a few to note:
- Exceeding maximum speed limit by no more than 20km/h: Dh300 fine
- Exceeding maximum speed limit by no more than 30km/h: Dh600 fine
- Exceeding maximum speed limit by no more than 40km/h: Dh700 fine
Running a red light: Considered a serious offence, this violation incurs a fine of Dh1,000, 12 black points, and 30-day vehicle impoundment.
Not using a seatbelt: Dh400 fine, and four black points added to the driver’s licence.
Owning a dirty car: Dh500 to Dh3,000 depending on the severity and duration of neglect.
Distracted driving: Looking at your phone or not paying attention while driving can be disastrous.
- Using a mobile phone while driving: Dh800 fine
- Failure to use indicators when changing the vehicle’s direction or making turns: Dh400 fine
- Failure to leave a safe distance when driving behind other vehicles: Dh400 fine and four black points
- Driving a vehicle in a way that jeopardises the driver, others’ lives, their safety, or security: Dh2,000 fine, 23 black points and the light vehicle will be retained for 60 days
2. Parking fines
Incorrect or illegal parking can cause traffic blocks and hinder smooth movement. Here are some common parking-related fines, according to the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), that every Dubai resident should know:
- Exceeding paid parking time: Dh100
- Not paying or displaying a ticket: Dh150
- Double-parking: Dh200
- Obstructing traffic flow: Dh200
- Parking over sidewalks or crossings: Dh200
- Exceeding time limit in timed parking zones: Dh500
- Parking in spaces for People of Determination, without a permit: Dh1,000 fine
3. Public transport fines
Whether you use the Dubai Metro or public buses for daily commutes, or weekend trips, there are certain regulations that must be followed to ensure journeys are smooth and comfortable for everyone.
- Eating, drinking or chewing gum on the Metro and public bus: Dh100 fine
- Resting feet on seats, damaging or dirtying them on the Metro: Dh100
- Sleeping in prohibited areas, including Metro and bus passenger shelters and restricted zones: Dh300 fine
- Travelling without paying the fare on a public bus: Dh200 fine
- Using an expired Nol card: Dh200 fine
4. Social etiquette
Specific behavioural rules are enforced across Dubai:
- Jaywalking or crossing the road illegally: Dh400 fine
- Littering or spitting: Dh200 fine
- Throwing cigarette butts or gum on the street: Dh500 fine
- Obscene acts like swearing, making rude gestures in public: Fine of up to Dh10,000 and up to a year in prison
5. Online etiquette
Using a digital platform comes with the responsibility of maintaining good behaviour. The UAE Cybercrime Law is a strict digital safety framework that deals with penalising a range of online violations, like unauthorised data access, and the spreading of fake news. Here are some related fines that you can avoid:
- Taking/posting photographs of people without their permission: Fines range from Dh150,000 to Dh500,000, with a minimum jail time of six months, and potential deportation
- Insulting, slandering or defaming a person online, including on WhatsApp: Fines range from Dh250,000 to Dh500,000 and can involve jail time
- Sharing rumours and spreading fake news that contradicts official announcements or threatens public safety, order or health: Minimum fine of Dh200,000, with the possibility of jail time
- Filming or taking photographs of people at accident sites: Dh1,000 fine
- Filming or taking photographs of someone’s identifiable property without their consent: Fines range from Dh150,000 to Dh500,000, with jail time of no less than six months
6. Environment-related fines
Creating unhygienic situations, harming the city’s aesthetics, or causing damage to your surroundings can cost you. Here are some fines related to the environment, whether you’re in an urban neighbourhood, or in a public park.
- Displaying laundry in your balcony: Dh500 fine, increased to Dh1,000 for repeat offenders
- Littering on the beach: Fines range from Dh500 to Dh1,000 for repeat offenders
- Throwing trash out of your car window: Dh1,000 fine, and six black points
- Barbecuing in non-designated areas: Dh500 fine