Getting a UAE Driving License and Payment of Traffic Fines

To obtain a driving license in the UAE, citizens and residents must complete driving lessons and pass the required tests at a registered driving institute in their emirate. After successfully completing the process, applicants can receive a driving license valid for two years, regardless of nationality.

Learning to drive in the UAE

Registered driving institutes by emirate

• Emirates Transport Driving Institute [Located in Dubai emirate]
• Abu Dhabi: Emirates Driving Company
• Dubai: Emirates Driving Institute, Dubai Driving Center, Galadari Motor Driving Center, Al Ahli Driving Center, and Belhasa Driving Center
• Sharjah: Sharjah Driving Institute
• Ras Al Khaimah: Ras Al Khaimah Driving Academy
• Fujairah: Fujairah National Driving Institute

Eligibility requirements

To be eligible for a UAE driving license, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be a citizen or resident of the UAE.
• Meet the minimum age requirements for the intended vehicle category:
  • 17 years for motorcycles or vehicles for people with special needs.
  • 18 years for cars and light vehicles.
  • 20 years for heavy vehicles and tractors.
  • 21 years for buses.
• Be medically fit to drive.

Required documents

Applicants must provide the following:

1. Copy of passport with residence visa page
2. Copy and original Emirates ID
3. Two passport-size photographs
4. Eye test report
5. No objection letter from the sponsor (if applicable).

Steps to obtain a UAE driving license

1. Open a traffic file at a registered driving center in the emirate.
2. Undergo an eye test at an approved center.
3. Complete all required driving lessons.
4. Pass all tests administered by the traffic department.
5. Collect the driving license from the traffic authority.

Renewal of a UAE driving license

Driving licenses can be renewed for 10 years for UAE and GCC citizens and 5 years for residents. The renewal process is available online in most emirates.

Key points for renewal:

• Settle all outstanding traffic fines.
• Delay in renewal beyond one month incurs a fine of AED 10 per month.

Online renewal services are available through:

• Ministry of Interior
• TAMM (Abu Dhabi)
• RTA Dubai

The UAE black points system

The UAE’s black points system is designed to enhance road safety by penalizing traffic violations. Drivers are held responsible for offenses, and black points are added to their licenses based on the severity of the violation, ranging from 2 to 12 points.

Key offenses and penalties:

• Common offenses: Speeding, driving under the influence, using a mobile phone while driving, and jumping red lights.
• License suspension and revocation:
  • 24 points within two years: License suspension for three months.
  • 36 points: License revocation.

Recovery measures:

• Drivers with revoked licenses must attend road safety courses and pass re-examinations to regain their driving privileges.

Prevention tips:

• Compliance:  Follow traffic rules, observe speed limits, wear seat belts, and use hands-free devices.
• Vehicle maintenance: Ensure vehicles are in good condition to avoid violations.

UAE traffic fines and payment options

Before renewing a driving license or vehicle ownership card, all traffic fines must be settled. Penalties for traffic violations range from fines to imprisonment, vehicle suspension, or license cancellation.

Channels for paying UAE traffic fines:

• Ministry of Interior
• Emirates Vehicle Gate
• Abu Dhabi Police
• Dubai Police
• RTA Dubai
• MOI and RTA smart applications on Google Play or Apple Store

By adhering to these guidelines and using the available eServices, individuals can efficiently navigate the process of obtaining and renewing a driving license in the UAE while ensuring compliance with traffic regulations.

Common UAE traffic violations and penalties

The UAE enforces strict traffic laws to ensure road safety. Below is an overview of key violations and the penalties associated with them as per the amended federal traffic law, effective July 1, 2017.

Mandatory seat belts

• All passengers, including those in the rear seats, must wear seat belts.
  • Penalty: AED 400 fine and 4 black points. Vehicle impounding for 30 days.
• Children under four years must use a child safety seat.
  • Penalty: AED 400 fine and 4 black points.
• Front-seat passengers must be at least 145 cm tall and over 10 years old.

Reckless driving

• Reckless driving or endangering others incurs severe penalties:
  • Penalty: AED 2,000 fine, 24 black points, and duration of vehicle impoundment is 60 days or to be decided by authorities.
• Additional reckless behaviors include:
  • Blocking traffic.
  • Jumping red signals.
  • Sudden swerving.
  • Driving without a number plate.

Driving under the influence

• Drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs face serious consequences.
  • Penalty: Court-determined fine and/or jail term. License suspension for one year starting from the verdict date. Fine of AED 4000, 24 black points, and vehicle impounding for 90 days in Dubai and fine of AED 20,000 in Abu Dhabi and vehicle impounded for 30 days.

Traffic signal violations

• Ignoring traffic lights results in:
  • Penalty: AED 1,000-4000 fine, 12 black points, and vehicle impounding for 60 days (Dubai).

Distractions while driving

• Using a mobile phone or other distractions while driving:
  • Penalty: AED 200-1000 fine and 4-6 black points.

Speeding

• Penalty: AED 400-2000 fine, 4-6 black points, and vehicle impoundment for 60 days (Dubai).
• Exceeding the speed limit by more than 80 km/h leads to severe penalties: a fine of AED 3000, 23 black points, and vehicle impounding for 60 days.

Driver behavior and other violations

Violations include:

• Throwing garbage.
• Failing to maintain a safe distance between vehicles.
• Overtaking on the hard shoulder.
• Crowding around accident sites.
• Using quad bikes on public roads.
• Jaywalking.
• Technical and safety violations such as:
  • Failing to fasten seat belts.
  • Driving with expired tires.
  • Driving without insurance or valid car registration.
  • Operating noisy vehicles.
  • Transporting passengers illegally.

Drivers are advised to adhere to all traffic rules to avoid fines, black points, and potential legal actions. For a detailed list of traffic offenses and penalties, refer to the official document. The rules on traffic fines and penalties for offenses are subject to revision – contact the appropriate authorities to check.

Ways to check traffic fines in the UAE

1. Online
   • Dubai: Use the “Traffic Fines Inquiry” service on the Dubai Police website.
   • Abu Dhabi: Use the “Traffic Fines Inquiry” service on the Abu Dhabi Police website.
2. Mobile Apps
   • Dubai: Download the RTA App.
   • Abu Dhabi: Download the I-Wave App.
3. SMS
   • Dubai: Send your vehicle’s license plate number to 60050000.
   • Abu Dhabi: Send your vehicle’s license plate number to 3070.
4. Customer Service Centers
   • Visit Police Customer Service Centers in Dubai or Abu Dhabi with your vehicle’s license plate number.
5. Police Stations
   • Visit any police station in Dubai or Abu Dhabi and provide your vehicle’s license plate number.

Helpful links

• Renew a Driving License – RTA Dubai
• Abu Dhabi Police Traffic Services
• Ministry of Interior Traffic Fines

Paying traffic fines in the UAE

Traffic fines in the UAE can be paid through multiple convenient methods:

1. Online payment
   • Visit the Dubai Police or RTA website, log in, view your fines, and pay using a credit or debit card.
2. Bank payment
   • Pay fines at major banks like Emirates NBD or Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, either at branches or through their online services.
3. RTA center payment
   • Visit an RTA center and pay fines in person using cash, credit, or debit cards.
4. Mobile applications
   • Use apps like Dubai Now or mPay to pay fines on the go.

Important notes:

• Timely payment: Pay fines promptly to avoid increased penalties.
• Installments: If you have multiple fines, you may pay them all at once or in installments.
• Appeals: If a fine is unjust, submit an appeal online or visit an RTA center with supporting evidence.

Paying fines is straightforward, and multiple channels ensure flexibility for all users.

Steps to appeal traffic fines in the UAE

1. Gather information: Collect violation details and any supporting evidence.
2. Check deadlines:
   • Dubai: Appeals must be filed within 30 days of the violation.
   • Abu Dhabi: Appeals must be filed within 60 days.
3. Online appeal form:
   • Visit the Dubai Police or Abu Dhabi Police website.
   • Access the “traffic fines” section and complete the appeal form with required details and grounds for appeal.
4. Submit evidence: Attach supporting evidence and submit the form.
5. Review process: The authorities will review your appeal.
   • If accepted, the fine may be reduced or canceled.
   • If rejected, the full fine must be paid.
6. In-person appeals: You may also appeal in person at a police station or traffic department.

Note: Always check specific requirements and procedures on official websites.

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