Dubai Police has rolled out an updated traffic fine system effective July 15, 2025, targeting reckless behaviors like mobile phone use, tailgating, and speeding. Fines now range from AED 500 to AED 3,000, with black points and vehicle impoundments for major violations.
Dubai Police has rolled out an updated and more stringent traffic fine system aimed at enhancing road safety and curbing dangerous driving behaviors across the emirate. The new measures, effective from July 15, 2025, introduce tougher penalties for common offenses such as using a mobile phone while driving, tailgating, reckless overtaking, and violations involving e-scooters and pedestrian safety.
With road safety remaining a top priority for the UAE leadership, the changes reflect the country’s broader efforts to reduce traffic-related injuries and fatalities, while fostering a more responsible driving culture in Dubai.
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Among the most significant changes are increases in fines for behaviors that have consistently ranked among the top causes of accidents in the emirate:
In addition, a stricter framework has been introduced to regulate e-scooters and bicycles. Riders who do not follow the designated lanes or violate helmet and lighting rules may face fines of up to AED 300.
Dubai Police has emphasized that repeat traffic offenders will face harsher consequences, including increased impoundment durations and mandatory traffic awareness training. Authorities are also working to link repeat offenses with insurance premiums, in coordination with local insurance providers.
Speaking at a press conference, Brigadier Saif Muhair Al Mazrouei, Director of the General Department of Traffic at Dubai Police, said:
“Our aim is not to penalize, but to protect. Every life lost on the road is one too many. These revised penalties are meant to remind everyone that safety is non-negotiable.”
Dubai Police continues to lead the region in smart policing, with over 7,000 AI-enabled cameras across the city monitoring violations in real-time. These systems can now detect mobile phone usage, seatbelt violations, and improper lane changes without human intervention.
In 2024, these smart cameras helped detect over 3.2 million violations, reducing the need for direct police intervention and ensuring faster response to dangerous behaviors.
Al Mazrouei added: “Technology is an enabler. It allows us to enforce the law more effectively, with fairness and without delay.”
The new system is being launched alongside a public awareness campaign under the slogan “Drive Safe, Stay Safe”, targeting residents, tourists, and delivery drivers. The campaign will include roadshows, workshops at schools and universities, and social media outreach in multiple languages.
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is also contributing by distributing safety guides and organizing virtual driving awareness sessions for new drivers and delivery riders.
Salma Al Suwaidi, a safety officer at the RTA, noted:
“Education goes hand in hand with enforcement. We want to build a culture where safety becomes instinctive, not just a legal requirement.”
In a move to encourage timely fine payments and reduce administrative burden, Dubai Police has retained its early settlement discount scheme, which allows motorists to receive up to 50% discount if fines are paid within 60 days. However, this does not apply to certain major violations, including reckless driving and speeding over 80 km/h.
Dubai’s strict driving laws apply equally to visitors. Rental companies are now mandated to educate foreign drivers on local traffic rules. Violations committed in rental vehicles will be linked directly to the renter, and unresolved fines can lead to travel restrictions at departure points.
The updated fines have sparked a mix of reactions. While some residents welcome the changes as necessary for safety, others feel the penalties are steep.
Ahmed Raza, a long-time Dubai resident and delivery driver, shared:
"I think the rules are fair, especially for speeding and phone use. We all need to be more careful—it’s about saving lives, not just money."
Traffic incidents in Dubai dropped by 13% in the first half of 2024, a statistic the authorities hope to improve further through this updated system.
Dubai’s approach combines enforcement, technology, and education to build a smarter and safer transport ecosystem. As the city moves toward its smart city vision under Dubai Plan 2030, these steps reflect a proactive commitment to ensuring every road user—whether a driver, pedestrian, or cyclist—feels safe and protected.
With the new fines now in effect, the message is clear: responsible driving is no longer just an option—it’s the law.
