Traffic Fine Responsibility When Renting a Car in Dubai
When renting a car in Dubai, the driver is fully responsible for paying all traffic fines incurred during the rental period. This applies to tourists, expats, and UAE residents alike. Fines are camera-recorded and sent to the rental company first — then charged directly to the driver. This guide covers everything you need to know. Who pays the fines. How to check them. How to pay them. And how to avoid them entirely.
How Traffic Fines Work on a Rental Car in Dubai
Traffic fines in Dubai are recorded by automated camera systems — not always by police officers on the spot. The cameras detect violations instantly. The fine goes to the rental car company because the vehicle is registered under their name. The rental company then notifies the driver. They charge the fine amount plus an administrative fee. Tourists may not receive direct notifications of fines, as these are sent to the rental company first, which then charges the driver. This means you can leave Dubai and still receive unexpected charges weeks later. Traffic fines in the UAE are often recorded by cameras, and the fines go directly to the rental company. Fines are usually published on the traffic police website 3–4 weeks after the offense. So always check before you leave.
Who Pays Traffic Fines — The Driver or the Rental Company?
The driver pays all traffic fines on a rented car in Dubai. The rental agreement legally transfers fine responsibility to the person driving the vehicle during the rental period. The car rental company acts as an intermediary only. When renting a car in the UAE, the responsibility for paying traffic fines falls on the driver. The rental company pays the authority first. Then they recover that amount from the driver — plus fees. At 24baba, the rental agreement clearly states the driver's full liability. Always read your rental agreement before signing. Asking the rental company about their fine handling policy can help avoid confusion later.
Security Deposit and Fine Deductions
Rental companies may deduct traffic fines directly from the security deposit or credit card used for the rental. At 24baba, the security deposit policy works as follows: Cars under 200 AED per day:
- Security deposit: 1,000–1,500 AED (fully refundable)
- NoDepo option: from 219 AED (non-refundable insurance that replaces the deposit) Cars above 200 AED per day:
- Security deposit: 1,500–3,000 AED (fully refundable)
- NoDepo option: from 339 AED (non-refundable insurance that replaces the deposit) Rental companies may hold this deposit to cover potential fines during the rental period. At 24baba, refunds on security deposits process within 21 days after the car is returned.
Additional Fees Rental Companies Charge for Traffic Violations
Rental companies in Dubai charge an additional service fee plus VAT for processing traffic violations. This increases the final fine amount by 10–15%. So a 600 AED fine can become 690 AED or more after processing. Rental companies typically charge a processing or administrative fee for managing traffic violations. This fee is charged on top of the original fine. VAT applies to the service fee as well. Online payments through the MOI UAE app can only be made with a local bank card. Foreign bank cards are not accepted for this purpose. Plan ahead if you are a tourist paying fines online.
How to Check Traffic Fines on a Rental Car in Dubai
To check traffic fines on a rental car in Dubai, use the Dubai Police website, the RTA website, or the Dubai Police app by entering the vehicle plate number and driver's license number. All 3 platforms are free to use. Fines for traffic violations in the UAE can be checked through the Dubai Police website, RTA website, and mobile apps like Dubai Police and TAMM. Check for fines during your rental period to ensure a hassle-free experience. Always confirm the date of the offense falls within your rental dates before accepting responsibility. To check for fines, you need the vehicle registration number and the driver's license number. Keep these details handy throughout your rental period.
Dubai Police Website
The Dubai Police website lets you check fines using your vehicle details or driver's license number. It is available 24/7. No registration is required for basic fine checks.
Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) Website
The official website of the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) allows you to check fines by car number, driver's license number, or information about the owner. This covers all RTA-registered violations across Dubai.
Dubai Police Mobile App
The Dubai Police mobile app offers a wide range of services, including checking fines for traffic violations. Download it on iOS or Android. It also lets you pay fines directly.
MOI UAE App
The MOI UAE app covers fines across other emirates, including Abu Dhabi. Note that online payments through this app require a local bank card only. Use it to check violations that occurred outside Dubai.
How to Pay Traffic Fines on a Rental Car in Dubai
Traffic fines on a rental car in Dubai can be paid online through the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) website, the Dubai Police website, the MOI UAE app, or in person at police stations and service centers. There are 4 clear ways to pay. You can pay traffic fines online through the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) or Dubai Police websites. Fines issued in Dubai can be paid online through both platforms using a credit card. Choose the method that works best for your situation.
4 Ways to Pay Traffic Fines in Dubai
- Pay online through the RTA website using a credit card
- Pay online through the Dubai Police website using vehicle or license details
- Pay in person at police stations or police service centers in large malls — police officers will not accept payment on the spot at the roadside
- Pay through the rental company, which manages the process and charges an administrative fee The Ministry of Interior's website also offers an e-service for fine payments. This is useful for fines registered across multiple emirates. Always keep your traffic file number and vehicle details ready before starting the payment process.
Salik Toll Charges and Toll Roads on a Rental Car
When renting a car in Dubai, the driver is responsible for all Salik toll charges on toll roads. Rental companies add these charges to the final invoice along with an administrative fee. Dubai's toll roads use automatic gates. Salik is the city's electronic toll system. The toll records automatically through the rental car's Salik tag — no manual payment is needed at toll gates. At 24baba, customers have full flexibility. Take the Salik toll roads for faster travel and pay the toll charges. Or choose free alternate routes to avoid Salik charges completely. The choice is yours. Salik toll charges are separate from traffic fines. But the rental company handles both through the same billing process. Check your final invoice carefully to see both items listed separately.
Common Traffic Violations and Fine Amounts in Dubai
Common traffic violations in Dubai include speeding, running red lights, improper lane changes, tailgating, aggressive driving, and using a mobile phone while driving — with fines ranging from AED 400 to AED 800 on average. Traffic regulations in Dubai are strictly enforced. Cameras record violations around the clock. Drivers are often notified only after the rental company is charged.
Speed Limits in Dubai
Speed limits in Dubai are:
- 40 km/h on small residential streets
- 60–80 km/h on main roads
- 100–120 km/h on motorways Speed limits in the UAE can change quickly depending on the area, especially near schools and construction zones. Always watch for posted speed limit signs. Tolerances vary by emirate — Abu Dhabi has different limits from Dubai.
6 Most Common Traffic Violations Renters Must Know
- Speeding — The most common violation. Cameras cover every major road.
- Running red lights — Cameras automatically record these violations and issue fines.
- Using a mobile phone while driving — Prohibited in Dubai and results in immediate fines.
- Aggressive driving and tailgating — Results in fines and black points on your record.
- Parking violations — Common in busy city areas. Fines issued by both RTA and Dubai Police.
- Improper lane changes and last-minute U-turns — Especially dangerous near intersections. It is mandatory to wear seat belts in Dubai. Child safety seats are required for children under 4 years of age. Drivers must yield to pedestrians in crosswalks as per Dubai traffic regulations.
The Black Points System — What Every Rental Car Driver Must Know
Dubai's black points system assigns penalty points to a driver's record for serious traffic offenses. Accumulating 24 black points within a year results in automatic driving license suspension — regardless of whether you paid the fines. The UAE employs a black points system where serious offenses can result in black points being added to a driver's record. If a violation carries black points, these attach to your driving record or international license. This applies to both UAE residents and tourists. Paying the fine does not remove the black points. Black points and fine amounts are two separate penalties. Serious offenses like excessive speeding and aggressive driving carry the highest black point penalties.
- 12 black points → Warning
- 24 black points within 1 year → License suspension Unpaid traffic fines can result in the accumulation of black points on your driving record, which may lead to license suspension. Renters must take this seriously. License suspension affects your ability to drive anywhere in the UAE.
5 Serious Consequences of Unpaid Traffic Fines on a Rental Car
Unpaid traffic fines from a rental car in Dubai result in 5 serious consequences: blocked vehicle registration, license renewal suspension, black point accumulation, potential travel bans, and civil cases filed by the rental agency. Do not ignore fines. The legal and financial consequences are severe. Here are all 5 consequences explained:
1. Blocked Vehicle Registration
Failing to pay traffic fines in Dubai leads to blocked vehicle registration and driver's license renewal. You cannot renew either until all fines are cleared.
2. License Suspension
Unpaid fines contributing to 24 black points trigger automatic license suspension. This applies even after leaving the UAE.
3. Travel Ban at the Airport
Ignoring traffic fines can lead to potential travel bans imposed by court rulings, which may detain you at the airport. Tourists are not exempt from this rule.
4. Civil Case by the Rental Agency
Rental agencies may file civil cases against renters for unpaid fines. This can follow you internationally through legal channels.
5. Unexpected Charges After Return
Unpaid fines may result in additional charges from the rental company, which can appear weeks after returning the vehicle. Dubai Police can also impound your vehicle for severe or repeated offenses if fines remain unpaid.
How to Contest a Traffic Fine on a Rental Car in Dubai
To contest a traffic fine on a rental car in Dubai, submit a dispute through the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) or Dubai Police. A successful contest means the rental company must refund the full charged amount — including the administrative fee. You have the right to contest a fine through the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) or Dubai Police if you believe it was issued in error. Contest it with the following documents ready:
- Vehicle details and vehicle plate number
- Rental dates confirming you were the driver
- Driver's license number
- Copy of the violation notice
- Traffic file number Check the RTA website for the current contest deadline. Submit early. Delays reduce your chances of a successful outcome.
7 Proven Ways to Avoid Traffic Fines When Renting a Car in Dubai
Drivers can avoid traffic fines when renting a car in Dubai by strictly observing speed limits, using navigation apps with speed zone alerts, following lane discipline, and understanding UAE traffic regulations before driving. Familiarizing yourself with UAE traffic laws and driving responsibly helps prevent fines. Use these 7 proven tips to keep your rental experience fine-free:
- Observe speed limits strictly — tolerances differ in Dubai versus Abu Dhabi and other emirates
- Use navigation apps like Google Maps that warn about speed zones and red light cameras
- Follow lane discipline and avoid last-minute turns and U-turns near intersections
- Avoid using a mobile phone while driving at all times
- Read the rental agreement thoroughly before driving
- Check for fines during the rental period using the Dubai Police app or RTA website
- Drive defensively and yield to pedestrians at all crosswalks Using navigation apps that warn about speed zones can help prevent speeding tickets and other avoidable traffic violations. Driving defensively and following lane discipline can help avoid traffic fines in Dubai. Avoiding last-minute turns and U-turns helps prevent violations, especially near intersections. Staying informed before and during your rental saves money. It also protects your driving record and driving privileges.
Why Rent with 24baba in Dubai
24baba operates across all 7 Emirates of the UAE, headquartered in Dubai. The fleet includes 3,700+ cars to choose from. Rentals are available on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis. Every car comes with basic insurance coverage included. For full peace of mind, choose CDW (Collision Damage Waiver). CDW means if the car is damaged in an accident, you pay no repair costs — as long as you get a police report, follow local traffic laws, and do not drive recklessly. Other key features renters love:
- 127 currencies accepted for payment
- Reserve now, pay on delivery — no upfront payment needed
- Doorstep delivery in 1–2 hours — the car comes to your location
- Rent-to-own — rent the car and eventually own it
- ~250 km/day mileage policy (some cars have no mileage limits)
- Roadside assistance available if any problem occurs during the ride
- Minimum age: 18 years to rent
- Full tank in, full tank out — return the car with a full tank or pay a refueling fee