Abu Dhabi vehicle fines: Dh4,000 penalty for abandoned or dirty cars

Dubai: Car owners in Abu Dhabi who leave behind dirty or abandoned vehicles risk fines of up to Dh4,000, according to regulations enforced by Abu Dhabi’s Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT).

In a recent social media post, the DMT reminded residents that penalties for abandoning vehicles are in accordance with Law No. 2 of 2012, aimed at maintaining a sustainable and aesthetically pleasing urban environment.

Three types of fines for abandoned vehicles

The authority has categorised fines into three types, depending on the nature of the violation:

1. Leaving a vehicle in public spaces in a way that distorts the general appearance, including dirty or unkempt vehicles

• First offence – Dh500

• Second offence – Dh1,000

• Third and subsequent offences – Dh2,000

2. Abandoning a vehicle's body/frame in public spaces, contributing to visual pollution

• First offence – Dh1,000

• Second offence – Dh2,000

• Third and subsequent offences – Dh4,000

Fines for public littering

In addition to vehicle-related violations, the DMT has also raised awareness about fines for public littering, which can reach up to Dh2,000 to D4,000, depending on the type of offence. Some examples of violations include:

• Improperly discarding cigarette butts

• Littering or throwing chewing gum outside designated bins

• Spitting betel leaf (paan) in public spaces

Dubai’s rules on abandoned vehicles

Meanwhile, in Dubai, abandoning a vehicle can result in a Dh500 fine, imposed by Dubai Municipality. Authorities warn that neglected cars negatively impact the city’s urban and aesthetic appeal.

If a motorist receives a fine, Dubai Municipality will first send an SMS notification to the mobile number registered with the vehicle’s number plate. The notice will specify that the Dh500 fine must be paid within a designated period, usually between three to 15 days, depending on the location and condition of the vehicle.