Can You Dispute a Traffic Fine in the UAE? Step-by-Step Guide

The UAE government allows you to file a dispute against the traffic fines logged on your vehicle if you find that they are unfairly applied. If you have concrete evidence proving you are not at fault, you can file a traffic dispute in the UAE by personally visiting the Government office. 

This guide will help you understand when you get a traffic fine in UAE, how to check whether you are fined, how to pay traffic fines online, and how to file a dispute in detail. 

Traffic Rules to Follow in UAE

Here’s a quick overview of the traffic rules you must follow while driving a vehicle in UAE.

• • Speed Limits: Speed limits vary and are clearly marked depending on the area and road type. Highways may allow up to 140 km/h, while residential areas have much lower limits. Overspeeding can result in fines or even license suspension.
  • Seat Belts: Wearing a seat belt is mandatory for all passengers. Front-seat passengers and those in the back must buckle up. Children under four must be in a child safety seat, and those under ten are not allowed in the front seat.
  • No Mobile Phones: Using a mobile phone while driving is strictly prohibited unless you have a hands-free system. Violators face heavy fines, as distracted driving is a major cause of accidents.
  • Traffic Cameras and Radars: The UAE employs cameras and radars to monitor traffic. These systems capture speeding, running red lights, and other violations. Fines are issued automatically, so always be mindful of traffic signs.
  • Zero Tolerance for Drinking and Driving: The UAE has a strict zero-tolerance policy on alcohol consumption for drivers. Any trace of alcohol in the blood can lead to severe penalties, including fines, imprisonment, and deportation for non-citizens.
  • Indicator Use: Always use indicators when changing lanes, turning, or overtaking. Not signaling can result in fines, as it poses a significant safety risk on the roads.

• Lane Discipline: Stay in your lane and avoid unnecessary lane changes. The fast lane (leftmost lane) is reserved for overtaking in busy areas. Violating lane discipline may result in fines and is seen as reckless driving.

• No Tailgating: Tailgating is considered aggressive driving and is heavily fined. A safe distance must be maintained between vehicles, especially on highways, to prevent accidents.
• Respecting Pedestrian Crossings: Vehicles must stop for pedestrians at marked crossings. Failing to do so can lead to fines, as pedestrian safety is a high priority in the UAE.
• Roundabouts and Priority: At roundabouts, vehicles inside the roundabout generally have the right of way, although signage may indicate exceptions. Always give way to vehicles already circulating.

Also, read UAE Traffic Fines: Get a 35% Discount and Reduce Black Points Using These Payment Channels

How to Check Your Traffic Fines Online?

You can pay your traffic fines through the below-mentioned options:

How to Dispute a Traffic Fine?

Below are the steps to dispute traffic fines for each Emirate in the UAE:

Dubai

You can also call the traffic department at 04 6993555 to inquire about the procedure and seek additional information. To log the complaint, visit the General Directorate of Traffic headquarters in Al Barsha or go to the nearest police station. Upon arrival, inform the authorities that you wish to file a complaint about the fine you received. They will provide you with the necessary forms and documents.

Remember that this appeal process is specifically for contesting traffic fines and does not apply to penalties from RTA for parking or public transport violations.

Abu Dhabi

To dispute a traffic fine in Abu Dhabi, you can start the process through the Abu Dhabi Police e-complaints portal. Follow this step-by-step guide to file your objection:

• Click on the ‘Objection to a Traffic Violation’ service on the Abu Dhabi Police e-complaints portal.
• Enter your required details.
• Select a convenient time for the Abu Dhabi Police to call you back.
• Clearly explain the reasons for contesting the fine.
• Attach any relevant images that can provide additional evidence, if applicable.
• Double-check your information to ensure all required fields are completed accurately.
• Submit your complaint.

After you submit your objection, the traffic department will review your complaint and may contact you for further information if necessary. If they determine the fine was issued in error, they will reverse it, resolving your dispute.

Sharjah

You can contact the Sharjah Police Traffic Department through WhatsApp at +9716 5177555. Alternatively, you can file a complaint using the Ministry of Interior smartphone application, ‘MOI UAE,’ which is available for both Apple and Android devices. Here’s how to do it: 

1. Download the ‘MOI UAE’ app.
2. Log in using your UAE Pass account.
3. Find and tap on the ‘Help’ option located in the bottom menu of your screen.
4. Select ‘Complaint’ from the options available.
5. Provide details about your traffic fine violation and explain why you believe it was issued incorrectly.

The traffic department will review your complaint, and if it is approved, the fine will be reversed.

Ajman

If you wish to contest a traffic fine you received in Ajman, you can do so conveniently through the ‘Ajman Police’ mobile application, which is available for both Apple and Android devices. Here are the steps to follow:

• Log in to the Ajman Police app using your UAE Pass account.
• Locate the ‘Smart Services’ option in the menu at the bottom of the screen.
• Go to ‘Traffic Services.’
• Select ‘Objection on Traffic Penalty.’
• Enter the fine’s specific details, including the violation type and ticket number.
• Provide a detailed explanation of your reasons for contesting the fine.
• Upload any relevant images that support your appeal.
• Tap ‘Send Objection Request’ to submit.

Once submitted, the Ajman Police will review your appeal. It will be reversed if they determine that the fine was issued in error.

Ras Al Khaimah, Umm Al Quwain, Fujairah

You can use the Ministry of Interior smartphone application to dispute a fine issued in Ras Al Khaimah, Umm Al Quwain, or Fujairah. Here’s a clear step-by-step guide:

• Sign in to the MOI app using your UAE Pass account credentials.
• Locate the ‘Help’ section in the app’s menu, usually at your screen’s bottom.
• Tap on the ‘Complain’ option within the ‘Help’ section.
• Provide details about your traffic violation and explain why you believe the fine was incorrectly issued.

After submission, the traffic department will review your complaint and process it accordingly. If your application is deemed valid, the fine will be reversed based on the approved resolution.

3 Ways to Pay Traffic Fines in UAE

The Government in the UAE provides convenient ways to pay traffic fines quickly from your phone anytime. Let’s look at the three popular options to pay traffic fines. 

Banking Apps

You can use your bank’s app or online banking to pay traffic fines in the UAE. Most banks offer traffic fine payment services on their portal. 

Online Portal

Government websites such as Police websites, RTA websites, and MOI websites also enable you to pay your outstanding traffic fines in the UAE. For example, if your vehicle is registered in Dubai, you need to visit the Dubai Police or RTA website. 

RTA Center

Alternatively, you can also visit any RTA center and go to the customer happiness center to pay your fines in person. 

Also, read How to Reduce Traffic Fines in the UAE?

Final Words

Thus, if you have legitimate reasons for challenging a fine in the UAE, you have the right to do so. Familiarizing yourself with various emirates’ legal processes and administrative nuances can significantly improve your chances of a favorable resolution. This not only helps safeguard your rights but also assists you in maintaining a clean driving record.

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