In the fast-paced lifestyle of the UAE—especially in cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi—it’s easy to unknowingly commit a traffic violation.
Whether you’re rushing to work, navigating unfamiliar roads, or simply not paying attention to signage, fines can pile up quickly.
Fortunately, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has established streamlined digital services that allow drivers to check, pay, and dispute traffic fines from the convenience of their smartphones or laptops.
What Are RTA Fines?
RTA fines are economic sanctions levied by the Roads and Transport Authority or the Dubai Police for violating road safety law and rules.
They could range from speeding, illicit parking, disobedience of red lights, to driving negligently or car registration offenses.
The UAE is serious concerning road safety and regulation. The offenders are not only fined financially but also black points, towing of the vehicle, or suspension of the driving license depending on the offense.
Most Common Traffic Offences and Penalties in the UAE
Below is an exhaustive table of most common offenses and corresponding fines:
| Offense | Fine (AED) | Black Points | Other Penalties |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exceeding speed limit (less than 20 km/h excess above limit) | AED 300 | 0 | – |
| Exceeding speed limit (above 60 km/h) | AED 2000 | 12 | 30-day impoundment |
| Running red light | AED 1000 | 12 | Seizure of vehicle for 30 days |
| Driver/Passenger unbuckled seatbelt | AED 400 | 4 | – |
| Drive and Phone | AED 800 | 4 | – |
| Blocking ambulances | AED 3000 | 6 | Vehicle towing |
| Reckless driving | AED 2000 | 23 | Vehicle to be seized, license to be cancelled |
| Shoulder passing | AED 1000 | 6 | – |
| Tailgating (not repeating a safe gap) | AED 400 | 4 | – |
| Driving without valid insurance | AED 500 | 4 | – |
| Car’s expired registration | AED 500 | 4 | – |
| Revving a noisy motor vehicle | AED 2000 | 6 | – |
Apart from those, transitory offences such as driving during fog without headlights or sudden lane changes are prone to being penalized.
Why it is Important to Check Your RTA Fines Every Now and Then?
Most of the drivers in the UAE remain unaware of fines until vehicle registration renewal or ownership transfer. Here’s why checking your fines every now and then is a good idea:
1. Prevent Surprise in Terms of Costs
Some offenses—i.e., those dealt with using radar or mobile camera—are not apprehended. Online confirmation doesn’t offer surprise renewal fee or travel.
2. Prevent Seizure of Vehicle
Failure to pay fines on time will cause seizure of your vehicle, especially for serious offenses or serial offenders.
3. Register and Insure Your Vehicle
You cannot renew your motor vehicle insurance or registration if all your unpaid fines have not been cleared.
4. Black Points Tracking
Black points are awarded on your driving record for each violation. 24 black points may lead to license suspension or required driving school.
5. Disputes or Errors Check
Now and then, there might be an inaccurate fine input. Regular checks remind you and enable you to raise false charges in time.
How to Check Your RTA Fines?
Because of UAE focus on smart governance, checking RTA fines is fast, safe, and available through several alternatives:
1. RTA Official Website
- Visit: rta.ae
- Select “Driver and Car Owner Services” > “Traffic Fines”
- Enter traffic file number, vehicle plate, or license number
- Displayed results: type of violation, fine, date, time, and location
2. RTA Dubai Mobile App
- Download from Google Play or Apple App Store
- Login with UAE Pass or register new
- Navigate to Fines Inquiry & Payment
- View, save, or share results in seconds
3. Dubai Police Website
- Open: dubaipolice.gov.ae
- Choose Traffic Services > Fines Inquiry
- Enter Emirates ID or vehicle details
4. MOI UAE Website (All Emirates)
- Open: moi.gov.ae
- Click on E-Services > Traffic Fines
- Click on emirate, then enter Emirates ID or vehicle details
5. In-Person Inquiry
Go to any of the below for in-person support:
- Customer Happiness Centers
- Shamil, Wasel, or Tasjeel Centers
- RTA Smart Kiosks at shopping malls, petrol stations, and metro stations
You should provide a copy of Emirates ID, vehicle registration card, or license plate number.
How to Pay Your RTA Fines?
RTA has made fine payment on many portals. Below are the best options:
1. Online Payment
- RTA Website
- RTA App
- Dubai Police App
- MOI Portal
All accept credit/debit cards and UAE Pass.
2. Smart Kiosks & Customer Centers
- In shopping malls, RTA centers, and some ENOC fuel stations.
- Accept cash, cards, and Apple Pay (varies by kiosk).
3. Bank Portals & Apps
Some UAE banks like Emirates NBD, FAB, ADCB have seamless payment integration from their mobile banking apps.
4. Installment Payment Plans
If your fines are AED 1,000 and above, you may be able to have an installment plan from:
- Emirates NBD
- Emirates Islamic
- Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB)
- Dubai Islamic Bank (DIB)
You might have interest-free options based on your credit card company.
How to Avoid RTA Fines? Tips To Consider?
Following are the tips on how you can reduce your chances of getting traffic fines in the UAE:
1. Be Traffic Law-Aware
Traffic rules keep changing every now and then, especially regarding speeding, phone usage, and pedestrian crossings.
2. Maintain Your Car in Running Order
Ensure that your car’s headlights, brake lights, and number plates are functioning and in date.
3. Navigate with Speed Limit Notifications
Navigation apps like Google Maps, Waze, and Careem include live speed camera and limit notifications.
4. Never Drive a Car Under the Influence of a Phone
Never use your phone—even at a red light. Make use of a Bluetooth hands-free unit or a phone holder.
5. Obey Parking Rules
Never double park, block driveways, or use disabled parking spaces against permit requirements.
6. Observe School Zones and Residential Zones
Speed slows down dramatically in these areas, and infractions done here attract bigger fines.
7. Sign Up for RTA Alerts
Receive email or SMS notification for vehicle renewal reminder, fine, and service notice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are a few questions that others have asked on the topic of RTA fine check that might help you out as well.
Yes. You may appeal it through the Dubai Police app, website, or visit a traffic department branch in person. Document it with evidence such as photos or witness statements.
Yes, RTA and Dubai Police websites can be paid through international credit cards from anywhere outside the UAE.
24 black points can result in suspension of license, traffic school attendance, or prosecution. Black points expire not later than 1 year from the time offense was committed.
No. Fines will remain on your record until they’re paid and must be cleared prior to vehicle registration or sale.
Sometimes, yes. You must file an objection and provide the actual driver’s Emirates ID and license number.
Drive Safely with RTA
The RTA fine check system is among the UAE efforts to build smart cities with regulated, safe roads.
Improved online services, mobile apps, and government sites mean there is no excuse not to check or pay your traffic fines.
Having a clean driving record not only saves money but also ensures easier car registration, insurance approval, and legality.
By remaining alert, driving carefully, and using means provided by RTA, you can avoid most of the fines and assist in making UAE roads safer for all of us.
