The Comprehensive Guide to Dubai Police Traffic Fines & Black Points (2026)
The United Arab Emirates maintains one of the world's most sophisticated and rigorously monitored road networks. Utilizing smart AI radars, automated tailgating sensors, pedestrian surveillance cameras, and drone patrols, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and Dubai Police General Command actively enforce zero-tolerance road safety protocols.
Understanding your liabilities under the UAE Federal Traffic Law prevents license suspension, steep compounding impound release charges, and legal travel bans. Use this guide and our Dubai Salik toll calculator to manage your road transit liabilities with complete clarity.
1. The 20 km/h Speed Buffer Rule: Dubai vs Abu Dhabi
One of the most vital distinctions for motorists traveling across emirates is radar tolerance:
- Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman & Northern Emirates: Maintain a statutory 20 km/h radar buffer. If a Dubai highway sign designates 100 km/h (such as segments of Sheikh Zayed Road or Al Khail Road), the speed camera triggers at 121 km/h.
- Abu Dhabi: Enforces an absolute zero-buffer policy. On roads marked 120 km/h or 140 km/h (e.g. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Road), radar flashes at precisely 121 km/h or 141 km/h.
2. Dubai Decree No. 30 of 2023: Severe Impound Release Fees
In late 2023 and continuing throughout 2026, Dubai introduced landmark decree reforms imposing heavy financial release penalties for reckless moving violations:
- Jumping a Red Light: AED 1,000 fine + 12 black points + 30 days impound + AED 50,000 release fee.
- Excessive Speeding (> 80 km/h over limit): AED 3,000 fine + 23 black points + 60 days impound.
- Driving an Unregistered / Plate-Less Vehicle: AED 10,000 release fee.
- Reckless Racing on Public Roads: Up to AED 100,000 vehicle confiscation release penalty.
3. The 24 Black Point Rule & License Suspensions
Black points track moving infractions against your driving license. Points remain valid on your file for one full calendar year (12 months) from the violation date:
- First 24-Point Accumulation: Driving license suspended for 3 months.
- Second 24-Point Accumulation: Driving license suspended for 6 months.
- Third 24-Point Accumulation: License revoked for 1 full year, requiring re-enrollment in an authorized driving institute and retaking all RTA driving tests.
Dubai Police Violation Penalty Schedule Table
| Violation Description | Statutory Fine | Black Points | Impound Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speeding < 20 km/h over limit | AED 300 | 0 | None |
| Speeding 20–30 km/h over limit | AED 600 | 0 | None |
| Speeding 30–40 km/h over limit | AED 700 | 4 | None |
| Speeding 40–50 km/h over limit | AED 1,000 | 4 | None |
| Speeding 50–60 km/h over limit | AED 1,500 | 6 | 15 Days |
| Speeding 60–80 km/h over limit | AED 2,000 | 12 | 30 Days |
| Handheld Phone Distraction | AED 800 | 4 | None |
| Sudden Swerving / Lane Violation | AED 1,000 | 4 | None |
| Jumping Red Signal | AED 1,000 | 12 | 30 Days (+AED 50k release) |
Frequently Asked Questions About UAE Traffic Violations
Motorists can lodge an official objection within 30 days of fine issuance through the Dubai Police app, RTA smart portal, or by visiting the General Directorate of Traffic in Al Barsha or Deira. If camera evidence reveals vehicle misidentification, the fine is canceled immediately.
No. Under RTA vehicle licensing rules, all outstanding traffic fines and Salik violations must be fully settled prior to vehicle technical passing and Mulkiya registration renewal. Dubai Police permits interest-free installment payment plans via partner UAE credit cards.