Skip to content 
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and the traffic police enforce strict rules to keep roads safe. In 2025, violations can cost drivers hefty fines.
This guide covers the ten most common mistakes that lead to fines in Dubai – with the exact fine amounts and tips to avoid them.
Whether you’re a local, expat or tourist, knowing these rules will help you stay safe and save money.
1. Exceeding the Speed Limit
Speeding is one of the most common violations in Dubai. Fines depend on how much you exceed the posted limit. For example, going just 20 km/h over can cost AED 300, while 50 km/h over can be AED 1,000. The worst case – more than 80 km/h over – is AED 3,000.
- How to avoid it: Always watch the speedometer and obey posted limits. Use cruise control on highways and pay attention to changing limits (e.g. in construction zones). Give yourself extra travel time so you’re not tempted to speed.
2. Using a Mobile Phone While Driving
Using a handheld mobile phone to call or text is illegal. As of late 2024, the fine for using a phone behind the wheel is AED 800 (plus 4 black points and possible impound). Even hands-free use can be risky.
- How to avoid it: Use a hands-free system or Bluetooth if you must take a call. Better yet, pull over safely before making calls or sending messages. Set your phone to ‘Do Not Disturb’ or use voice assistants, and focus fully on driving.
3. Not Wearing a Seat Belt
Every driver and passenger must wear a seat belt – including rear-seat occupants. Failing to buckle up costs AED 400 (driver also gets 4 black points). This applies to all seating positions.
- How to avoid it: Always fasten your seat belt before moving, and insist that all passengers do the same. Make it a habit to click in before starting the car. Check that child passengers are properly buckled and that anyone over 10 and 145 cm is in the front seat only if allowed.
4. Not Using Child Safety Seats
Dubai law requires children under 4 years old to travel in an approved child safety seat. Violators are fined AED 400 (with 4 black points). Placing a small child in the front seat is also banned (under 10 years or below 145 cm).
- How to avoid it: If you’re driving with young children, bring the correct child seat or request one from rental/car service. Ensure the seat is properly installed. Never let a child ride unrestrained or on your lap. Treat this rule like fastening your own seat belt – it’s mandatory for their safety.
5. Running a Red Light
Crossing an intersection on a red signal is a serious offence. The fine is AED 1,000 for cars (plus 12 black points and up to 30 days impoundment). For heavy vehicles it’s even higher.
- How to avoid it: Always stop at red lights, even if the intersection looks clear. Don’t speed up to beat a light; instead, safely come to a halt. If the light turns green in your direction, double-check that other cars are stopped before proceeding.
6. Illegal Overtaking
Overtaking in the wrong way is prohibited. This includes passing on the hard shoulder or overtaking from any prohibited area. The fine for overtaking via the shoulder is AED 1,000. Overtaking from a no-overtake zone or wrong side can cost AED 600.
- How to avoid it: Only overtake from the left and where allowed. Watch for signage and road markings. Use your indicator and check mirrors before changing lanes. If traffic is moving slowly, be patient instead of forcing an unsafe pass.
7. Tailgating (Following Too Closely)
Failing to leave a safe distance behind the vehicle ahead is a traffic violation. Tailgating can incur a AED 400 fine (4 black points). This rule exists because close following often causes accidents.
- How to avoid it: Keep a safe gap (at least two seconds) from the car in front of you. On highways, use the “two-second rule”: start counting when the vehicle ahead passes a marker, then you should reach it after at least two seconds. In bad weather or heavy traffic, increase the distance.
8. Driving with an Expired or No License/Registration
Driving without a valid UAE driving license (or with an expired license) is not allowed. The fine for an expired license is AED 500 (4 black points and 7 days vehicle impound). Not carrying your license or registration card is AED 400.
- How to avoid it: Always carry your original driving license and vehicle registration (Mulkiya) when driving. Check expiry dates and renew online via the RTA or Dubai Police website well before it lapses. Many apps or reminders can alert you when renewals are due.
9. Driving Without Insurance
All vehicles must have third-party insurance. Driving without insurance leads to a AED 500 fine (plus 4 black points and 7 days impound). Police will check insurance in a traffic stop or accident.
- How to avoid it: Keep your vehicle’s insurance current. Renew annually and carry a copy of the insurance certificate in the car. Some insurers offer auto-renewal – consider using it. Always check that the policy covers third-party liability (this is mandatory in UAE).
10. Parking Violations
Common parking mistakes include not paying the meter or parking in banned zones. Non-payment of parking fees (or failing to display a ticket) is fined AED 150. Other infractions – like parking on sidewalks or in front of fire hydrants – carry AED 200 to AED 1,000 fines.
- How to avoid it: Always pay for parking. Use the RTA’s mParking service or pay machines, and keep the ticket visible if required. Obey parking signs and lanes. Never park on yellow lines, sidewalks or in disabled spaces (unless permitted). Check for special parking rules in your area.
By avoiding these mistakes, drivers can stay clear of most traffic fines in Dubai. Remember,
RTA and Dubai Police enforce all road rules, so drive with care.
For official info, refer to the UAE Government’s road safety portal and the Dubai Police website. Safe driving will keep you out of trouble (and out of the fines line)!
