A Guide to RTA Fines for Dubai's Drivers and Passengers

Dubai's roads are a testament to modern infrastructure, bustling with activity day and night. To maintain order and ensure the safety of everyone, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) implements a strict framework of traffic laws. While drivers are typically in the hot seat when it comes to violations, passengers also share a crucial responsibility for safety.

Whether you're behind the wheel or just along for the ride, being unaware of the rules is no excuse. This guide breaks down the key RTA fines that apply to both drivers and their passengers, fostering a culture of shared accountability on our roads.

For the Driver: Steering Clear of Penalties

As the captain of the ship, the driver bears the primary responsibility for the vehicle and its occupants. Beyond the obvious rules of the road, here are some critical fines every driver in Dubai should be keenly aware of:

Distracted Driving: The temptation to use a mobile phone while driving is a dangerous one. Whether texting or talking, this violation comes with a hefty AED 800 fine and 4 black points. It's a simple rule: keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road.

Seatbelt Negligence - For You and Others: The driver is directly accountable for ensuring everyone in the vehicle is buckled up.

Driver Not Wearing a Seatbelt: AED 400 fine, 4 black points.

Passenger Not Wearing a Seatbelt: The fine of AED 400 and 4 black points is issued to the driver for each unbuckled passenger.

Child Safety is Paramount: Protecting the youngest passengers is non-negotiable.

• Allowing a child under 10 years old or shorter than 145 cm to sit in the front seat results in an AED 400 fine.
• Failure to provide a proper child safety seat for children under the age of 4 is also an AED 400 fine.

Speeding: A leading cause of accidents, speeding fines are tiered based on severity. Exceeding the speed limit by:

• More than 60 km/h: AED 2,000 fine, 12 black points, and a 30-day vehicle confiscation.
• Less than 60 km/h: AED 1,500 fine, 6 black points, and a 15-day vehicle confiscation.

Exceeding Passenger Limits: Your vehicle is designed to carry a specific number of people safely. Transporting more passengers than the vehicle is licensed for will result in an AED 500 fine and 4 black points.

The High Cost of Poor Parking

Finding a spot is only half the battle; parking correctly is just as important. Parking violations are common and can be costly.

Parking in Prohibited Areas: Stopping your car in a non-designated parking area will result in a AED 500 fine.

Parking on Pavements/Sidewalks: Mounting the curb and parking on a pavement is not allowed and carries a AED 400 fine.

Blocking Traffic or Other Vehicles: One of the most inconsiderate parking errors, parking in a way that obstructs traffic flow or blocks another vehicle from moving, will cost you AED 500.

Abusing Reserved Spaces: Parking in a spot reserved for People of Determination without a valid permit is a serious offense, resulting in a AED 1,000 fine and 6 black points.

Meter Violations: Forgetting to pay for parking or overstaying your paid time in a public parking zone will incur a fine of AED 150.

For the Passenger: Your Role in a Safe Journey

Safety isn't solely the driver's job. Passengers have a legal and moral obligation to contribute to a secure travel environment. Here are the violations passengers need to know:

Buckle Up, Every Single Time: The most critical rule for any passenger. As mentioned, the driver may be fined, but the ultimate responsibility for your safety starts with you. The law is clear: every person in a moving vehicle must wear a seatbelt.

Don't be a Distraction: Engaging in behavior that distracts the driver or obstructs their view is a punishable offense. This can include loud arguments, moving around unnecessarily, or interfering with the driver's controls. Such actions can lead to a fine of AED 200 on public transport, and in a private car, can contribute to an accident for which the driver will bear severe penalties.

Safe Entry and Exit: Never attempt to enter or exit a vehicle when it is in an unsafe position or still in motion.

Motorcycle Passenger Rules: If you are a passenger on a motorcycle, you are required by law to wear a helmet. Failure to do so will result in an AED 500 fine and 4 black points for the driver.

Shared Road, Shared Responsibility

Navigating Dubai's roads safely is a team effort. While drivers must adhere to a comprehensive set of regulations, passengers are active participants in ensuring a hazard-free journey. By understanding and respecting these rules, we can all contribute to making Dubai's roads safer for everyone, turning every trip into a secure and pleasant experience.