Complete Guide: Paying Road Crossing Fines in Abu Dhabi
If you are planning to visit Abu Dhabi for vacation purposes, you might want to rent a car to get around easily. But driving in a new country can be quite a hassle and you’re more likely to get a traffic fine simply because you are not familiar with the local rules. However, not knowing the law does not exempt you from the punishment. This is especially true in the United Arab Emirates, where some rules tend to be stricter than in the rest of the world. Notably, the country takes a "zero tolerance" approach to violations, particularly when it comes to major offenses concerning traffic and public order.
For tourists, getting an unpleasant surprise in the form of a fine may turn a dream vacation into a nightmare. For residents, a traffic fine could mean a compromised driving record and more headaches down the road.
In this guide, we’ll focus on driving rules and traffic fines and how to handle them if you happen to receive one.
What the Fine System in Abu Dhabi Includes:
The government of Abu Dhabi has developed an extensive system of fines to address every possible misconduct and maintain order in public places. The information on road rules and penalties is regularly updated on the official Abu Dhabi Police website. The violation of traffic rules is strictly penalized for both pedestrians and drivers.
For Pedestrians:
Like everywhere in cities with a developed traffic infrastructure, in Abu Dhabi, pedestrians are expected to adhere to certain rules when crossing roads. The punishment for jaywalking or ignoring pedestrian signals can be hefty.
For example, crossing the street outside designated areas will cost you AED 400. Crossing the road when the red signal is on will add another AED 400 to your fine. Most likely, you have a better idea of how to spend $110, don’t you?
For drivers:
For car drivers, penalties are much stricter as their wrong actions could directly endanger the lives of other road users. These penalties may include fines, accumulation of black points, and even vehicle confiscation. Let’s have a brief overview of some major offenses and penalties they carry:
Running a Red Light:
Drivers who run a red light will face a fine of AED 1,000 (approximately $272). However, this is just the beginning. They also receive 12 black points on their license, and their vehicle is seized for 30 days. To get the vehicle back, you must pay AED 50,000 (approximately $13,612). What is more, your right to drive is suspended for six months.
Speeding Violations:
Speed limits in the UAE are strictly monitored. Speeding fines range from AED 300 (approximately $82) to AED 3,000 (approximately $817), depending on the severity of the offense. Drivers will also accumulate the so-called black points, which can lead to a suspension of their license. Interestingly, driving too slowly can also result in fines, as it disrupts traffic flow.
Overtaking and Illegal Parking:
Overtaking in prohibited areas, such as intersections or zones with poor visibility, results in a fine of AED 600 (approximately $163) and six black points.
Parking in unauthorized locations, such as spaces reserved for people with disabilities, leads to a fine of AED 1,000 (approximately $272) and six black points.
Seatbelt and Mobile Phone Usage:
Drivers who are discovered using their phones or not wearing seatbelts while driving may be fined AED 400, or roughly $109. Penalties may also apply for other distractions, such as eating, smoking, or wearing makeup while operating a motor vehicle.
Driving Under the Influence:
Just like in many other countries, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is strictly prohibited in the UAE. The country has a zero-tolerance policy regarding intoxicated driving because of the serious threat it poses to safety. If you’re caught driving under the influence, the penalties are severe: you will immediately receive 23 black points (the maximum possible) on your license and your case will be referred to court.
What are Black Points?
In addition to financial penalties, violators also receive Black Points. They damage your driving record and may even lead to suspension of your diving license. The number of points varies according to the seriousness of the violation. Some of them, such as speeding, for example, may “reward” you with multiple black points at once. Getting too many of them in a short period of time has some serious consequences, such as suspensions of the driving license and vehicle detention.
How to Check Your Fines
What to do if luck was not on your side and you missed the sign or forgot to buckle up? Most probably, the system has already assigned you a fine. What’s next? You need to check the record, using various ways that we will discuss below. Thanks to the city’s digital platforms, finding your fine status has become as easy as pie.
First, visit the official Abu Dhabi Police website or download their app. After that, head over to the “Traffic Violations” or “Fines Inquiry” section. Fill in your details – be it your vehicle plate number, driving license number, or traffic card number. A quick search will pull up everything you need to know about your fines, from the type of violation to the date and the dreaded amount owed.
Before you panic, double-check the information with SmartPass, an online platform designed to answer all your traffic-related queries. Register for free, submit your questions, and let the system do the job for you.
Online Payment Methods for Road Crossing Fines
In this unpleasant task of settling your fine, digitalization is at your service. Thanks to the “Smart Services for a Modern Police” campaign, settling your payment has become simpler than ordering takeout. Below you will find some most popular options:
Abu Dhabi Police Website or Mobile App
First up is the Abu Dhabi Police website and app. Sign up or log in if you already have an account. Then navigate to the “Services” section. Search for your fine using your Emirates ID, license number, or vehicle plate details. Once you’ve found it, click “Pay Now,” choose a payment method, and voila! Your fine is history.
Ministry of Interior (MOI UAE)
Here is another smooth option and another government website to help you out. Log in to the MOI UAE website and head to the “Payment of Traffic Fines” section – let the system guide you step by step. It’s as simple as paying for your morning coffee, minus the caffeine buzz.
Emirates Vehicle Gate (EVG)
The Emirates Vehicle Gate is an online platform designed for car owners and drivers. Hop onto their website or download their mobile app. The “Pay Traffic Fines” area is what you need to find. Register, find your fine, and let the system do its thing.
TAMM Platform
Last but not least, TAMM, another government-run digital platform, provides easy access to all government services. Log in, hit the “Traffic Fine Payment” button, and clear your dues in a few clicks. You’ll need your Emirates ID and vehicle registration for that.
Pedestrian fines
Paying pedestrian fines is also quite simple thanks to the Ministry of Interior’s online services. To get started, you’ll need to create an account on their official website using your Emirates ID, email address, and mobile number. Once logged in, navigate to the "Traffic Services" section, where you can find the "Pay Traffic Fines" option.
Alternative Payment Options and Locations
If you’re a fan of the good old-fashioned face-to-face method, Abu Dhabi has you covered with several physical payment options.
Customer Happiness Centers
Yes, they’re called Customer Happiness Centers, and they live up to their name. Bring your Emirates ID, vehicle registration documents, and any fine notifications to one of these centers, open from 8 AM to 4 PM, Sunday through Thursday. A friendly representative will help you sort out your fines—no stress, no fuss.
Authorized Banks
Prefer to handle payments at your bank? Several authorized banks in Abu Dhabi allow fine payments at their branches. Just show up with your Emirates ID and vehicle details, and you’re good to go. Some banks even let you pay directly from your account, which makes life even easier.
Payment Kiosks
If you’re the DIY type, head to a payment kiosk. These are sprinkled across malls and public spaces in Abu Dhabi. Insert your Emirates ID or vehicle plate number, follow the on-screen instructions, and pay using your card. It’s as quick as grabbing a coffee on the go.
Installment Plans and Discounts on Fines
Big fines? No problem. Abu Dhabi offers interest-free installment plans, making those hefty penalties a bit less painful. If your fine is $136 (AED 500) or more, you can break it into three, six, or nine monthly payments with banks like First Abu Dhabi Bank or Noor Bank.
Good news: for fines above $816 (AED 3,000), you can take advantage of the Department of Transport’s “Easy Payment” service. Use a credit card from Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank or Emirates Islamic Bank, and stretch the payments over several months.
How to Avoid Traffic Fines in the UAE
The best fine is no fine at all, right? Knowing and following the rules, with a little common sense, will keep you on the safe side. Here are some tips to remember:
Stay Alert
Keep an eye on road signs, follow traffic signals, and don’t test the speed limits. And yes, that includes not driving too slowly.
Mind Your Manners
Be polite both on the road and streets and avoid aggressive or reckless driving. Give way to someone who is in a rush, let them pass: better they take the risks, not you.
Park Smart
Always park in designated areas. Check the parking signs every time you doubt and google their meaning if unsure.
Buckle Up
Seatbelts aren’t optional, and that goes for every passenger in the car. If someone isn’t buckled in, it’s the driver who pays the price.
Bottom Line
So, what should you do, if you get a fine? First, don’t panic, it can happen to everyone. Pay it as soon as you can to avoid late fees. If you think the fine is a mistake, contact local authorities or file an appeal. Tourists should keep all receipts and documents if they’re renting a car. This can save you headaches with the rental agency later on.
Driving in the UAE can be smooth and hassle-free if you adhere to the rules. Even if you end up with a few violations and fines, there’s no need to stress. There are plenty of convenient ways to settle them quickly and move on.