From speeding to phone use: Dubai traffic fines, black points and vehicle impound penalties explained.
Dubai: Dubai Police has introduced advanced artificial intelligence (AI)-powered radar systems to improve the detection of traffic violations with greater precision.
Installed across major roads and intersections, the smart radars can detect more than just speeding violations. They are also capable of identifying red-light offences, unsafe lane changes and distracted driving behaviours, including the use of mobile phones while driving.
Motorists caught violating traffic rules may face fines, black points and vehicle impoundment penalties. Authorities are urging drivers to familiarise themselves with traffic regulations and follow safe driving practices to help maintain safer roads.
Here is a breakdown of the violations detected by these AI-powered radars, along with the related fines, black points and impoundment penalties.
1. Speeding
Exceeding the speed limit by more than 80 km/h
Motorists caught exceeding the speed limit by more than 80 km/h face severe penalties, including a Dh3,000 fine, 23 black points and vehicle impoundment for 60 days.
- Fine: Dh3,000
- Black Points: 23
- Vehicle impoundment: 60 days (light vehicles)
Exceeding the speed limit by more than 60 km/h
- Fine: Dh2,000
- Black Points: 12
- Vehicle impoundment: 30 days (light vehicles)
Exceeding the speed limit by no more than 50 km/h
- Fine: Dh1,000
Exceeding the speed limit by no more than 40 km/h
- Fine: Dh700
Exceeding the speed limit by no more than 30 km/h
- Fine: Dh600
Exceeding the speed limit by no more than 20 km/h
- Fine: Dh300
2. Running red lights
Motorists who jump a red light face strict penalties under the UAE Traffic Law, including:
- Fine: Dh1,000
- Black Points: 12
- Vehicle impoundment: 30 days
In Dubai, releasing an impounded vehicle requires a payment of Dh50,000, according to Decree No. 30 of 2023.
3. Lane discipline
Drivers who fail to stay within designated lanes face a Dh400 fine. Dubai’s AI-powered radar systems can also detect aggressive or unsafe driving behaviours, including:
- Driving on the hard shoulder
- Crossing solid lane markings, which are prohibited for overtaking or turning
- Sudden swerving
- Tailgating, or driving dangerously close to the vehicle ahead
To maintain a safe following distance, motorists are advised to follow the two-second rule — leaving enough space between vehicles so that the driver can pass the same point at least two seconds after the vehicle ahead.
4. Distracted driving (using a mobile phone)
The AI radar system can detect hand movements and mobile phone screen activity to identify drivers who are distracted while behind the wheel.
Motorists caught using their phones while driving face:
- Fine: Dh800
- Black Points: 4
Drivers are advised to avoid using handheld devices while driving to reduce distractions and improve road safety.
- Fine: Dh800
- Black Points: 4
- Vehicle impoundment: 30 days (according to Dubai Police)
5. Not wearing a seat belt
The AI radar system can accurately identify seat belt violations, including in low-light conditions by distinguishing between clothing and a properly worn seat belt.
Drivers who fail to wear a seat belt face:
- Fine: Dh400
- Black Points: 4
6. Illegal window tinting
The AI radar system can also detect unauthorised window tinting, including tinted windshields.
While certain exemptions may apply for medical or other approved reasons, illegal tinting can affect visibility and road safety. Violations detected by the system are referred to the relevant authorities for further action.
Under the UAE Traffic Law, the maximum permitted window tinting level for vehicles is 50 per cent, applying to the side and rear windows. The windshield must remain clear to ensure drivers have an unobstructed view.
Dubai Police has previously advised motorists that any tint applied to the windshield should not exceed 5.5 inches or 15cm in width.
Violating window tinting regulations can result in:
- Fine: Dh1,500 across the UAE
- Vehicle impoundment: Applicable in Dubai if window tinting exceeds the permitted limit
In Dubai, releasing an impounded vehicle requires a payment of Dh10,000, according to Decree No. 30 of 2023.
7. Noisy vehicles
Vehicles that have modifications designed to increase noise levels or enhance speed face strict penalties under Article 2 of Decree No. 30 of 2023.
Penalties include:
- Fine: Dh2,000
- Black Points: 12
- Vehicle release fee: Up to Dh10,000
8. Driving with an expired registration
Motorists driving a vehicle with an expired registration face the following penalties:
- Fine: Dh500
- Black Points: 4
- Vehicle impoundment: 7 days
