Dubai: Can Traffic Fines from Rental Cars Impact Driver’s License?

Have you ever wondered how traffic fines in a bustling city like Dubai could affect your driving record, especially if you’re behind the wheel of a rental car? With its vibrant lifestyle and stunning skyline, Dubai attracts millions of visitors each year. However, its strict traffic laws are not to be taken lightly.
Dubai is known for its strict enforcement of traffic regulations, which are designed to ensure safety and reduce accidents on its busy roads. From speeding fines to penalties for using a mobile phone while driving, the consequences of traffic violations can be significant. 

Knowing how traffic fines from rental cars could impact your driver’s license is essential. 

In this blog, we’ll explore the traffic laws in Dubai. Let’s get started. 

Traffic Fines and Rental Cars

Dubai has a well-defined system for issuing traffic fines, which can vary depending on the severity of the violation. The fines are enforced by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and can be hefty, with penalties ranging from minor offenses to severe violations.

Some common violations include:

• Speeding: Fines can range from AED 300 to AED 3,000 depending on how much the speed limit was exceeded. Drivers who exceed the speed limit by 80 km/h will face a fine of AED 3,000, receive 23 black points on their record, and have their vehicle impounded for 60 days.
• Running a Red Light: This offense typically incurs a fine of AED 1,000 and 12 black points on your driving record.
• Using a Mobile Phone While Driving: The penalty for this violation is around AED 400 and 4 black points.
• Not Wearing a Seatbelt: Failing to buckle up can result in a fine of AED 400 with 4 black points.
• Drag Race: A fine of AED 1,000 and six black points are issued in case of a drag race.

These fines are not only monetary but can also lead to black points on your driving license, which may impact your ability to drive legally in the UAE and your home country.

You can have a look at the complete traffic fines in UAE, here.

Impact on Driver’s License

In Dubai, traffic fines incurred while driving a rental car can indeed affect your driving record, particularly if you hold a UAE driver’s license. However, if you’re a tourist with a foreign license, the points may not be added to your home country’s record, but the fines still must be settled to avoid complications.

In Dubai, accumulating too many black points can lead to suspension or even revocation of your driver’s license. Here’s how the process typically works:

• License Suspension: If you reach 24 black points, your license may be suspended for a specific period, which can vary based on the severity of the violations. During this suspension, you are not legally allowed to drive in Dubai.
• License Revocation: In extreme cases, repeated offenses can lead to the complete revocation of your driving license. This means you would need to go through the process of applying for a new license, which can be time-consuming and costly.

How Rental Car Companies Handle Traffic Violations

When you rent a car in Dubai, you typically agree to the rental company’s terms, which often include clauses about traffic violations. If you receive a traffic fine while driving a rental car, the process usually works as follows:

1. Notification of Fine: The rental company receives a notification of the traffic violation from the relevant authorities.
2. Charges Passed to the Renter: The rental company will then charge the incurred fine to your credit card, along with an administrative fee. 

Potential Penalties for Unpaid Fines

Failing to pay traffic fines in Dubai can lead to several consequences:

• Increased Penalties: Unpaid fines may accumulate additional fees over time, increasing the total amount due.
• Restrictions on Renting Cars: If fines remain unpaid, rental companies may refuse to rent vehicles to you in the future.
• Legal Repercussions: In some cases, unpaid fines can lead to legal action or restrictions on your ability to leave the country. Dubai has strict laws regarding traffic violations, and pending fines can be a serious matter.

Wrap Up

Driving in Dubai can be an exhilarating experience, but it comes with the responsibility of adhering to strict traffic laws. Understanding how traffic fines from rental cars can impact your driver’s license is essential for both residents and visitors. 

Read our Latest Blog

Everything you need to know before renting a car in Dubai

FAQs

Can traffic fines be reduced in Dubai?

They usually do not, however, if the driver is regular with paying fines there might be an exception. 

What is the penalty for driving without a license in Dubai?

Driving without a license in Dubai can result in a fine of AED 5,000, along with potential imprisonment and deportation for foreign nationals.