14 Dubai Traffic Offences That Can Get Your Car Impounded
Dubai Police can impound a vehicle for 14 specific driving offences. Three carry 30 days without your car and the other eleven carry 14 days. Each offence also brings a traffic fine, typically AED 400 to AED 1,000, plus black points on your licence.
Offences that mean 30 days
- Not keeping a safe distance from the vehicle in front (tailgating).
- Using a mobile phone or any other object while driving.
- Swerving suddenly in a way that endangers lives, property or traffic safety.
Offences that mean 14 days
- Entering the road without making sure the lane is clear.
- Reversing in a way that endangers lives, property or traffic safety.
- Failing to follow lane discipline in a light vehicle.
- Stopping in the middle of the road without a valid reason.
- Dangerous overtaking.
- Driving a vehicle that does not meet safety and security requirements.
- Heavy vehicles not following mandatory lane or route rules.
- Stopping or overtaking on the hard shoulder outside an emergency.
- Driving with no number plates, or with only one plate fixed.
- Driving in a way that obstructs the flow of traffic.
- Changing the vehicle colour without authorisation.
Getting your car back
After the impoundment period you collect the vehicle through the Dubai Police traffic department. You can also apply for smart impound, which lets you keep the car at home or at a location you choose once a smart device is fitted. Our smart impound guide explains how it works.
Some offences also carry a release fee under Dubai’s impoundment decree (Decree No. 30 of 2023), from AED 10,000 up to AED 100,000 depending on the offence, such as running a red light or reckless driving. Check with Dubai Police which applies to your case before you collect the car.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the fine for these offences?
Each offence brings a traffic fine, typically AED 400 to AED 1,000, plus black points on your licence, on top of the impoundment.
Where do I collect my car after impoundment?
Through the Dubai Police traffic department, once the impoundment period ends.
Where to go next
- Smart impound: keep your car at home
- UAE traffic fines and black points
- Pay Dubai Police traffic fines
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