Dubai Police seizes 497 vehicles over unpaid fines and expired registrations

Dubai: Dubai Police has urged motorists and vehicle owners to check their traffic records regularly and settle outstanding fines before they build up, warning that failure to do so could result in vehicles being impounded and legal action being taken.

Brigadier Juma Salem bin Suwaidan, Director of the General Department of Traffic at Dubai Police, said authorities had stepped up inspections to identify vehicles with large amounts of unpaid fines or registration renewals that had been ignored for extended periods.

Nearly 500 vehicles seized

Traffic inspection teams seized 497 vehicles during campaigns in the first half of this year, Brig Bin Suwaidan said. Some of the vehicles had accumulated fines worth tens of thousands of dirhams, while several had not had their registrations renewed for years.

He warned that leaving fines unpaid and driving vehicles with expired registrations could lead to higher financial costs, vehicle impoundment and the suspension of related services.

Bin Suwaidan said driving an unregistered vehicle was particularly risky because it may not have undergone the required technical inspection to ensure it is safe to use on the road.

He stressed that traffic fines are not simply penalties but are intended to discourage dangerous driving, prevent repeat offences and improve road safety.

“Driving an unregistered vehicle poses a serious risk to the safety of both the driver and other road users,” he said, adding that repeated violations can result in accidents, injuries, deaths and damage to property.

Owners urged to respond to warnings

Dubai Police will continue inspection campaigns targeting vehicles with outstanding violations and expired registrations, Bin Suwaidan said.

Before taking legal action, the General Department of Traffic contacts vehicle owners through phone calls, text messages and email, urging them to pay their fines and renew their registrations.

He said the campaigns were not solely aimed at impounding vehicles but also at reminding motorists of their responsibilities and encouraging them to comply with traffic regulations.

Dubai Police uses smart technology to locate vehicles with outstanding violations. The system can identify and track vehicles on roads, in parking areas and in other public places, allowing officers to take action when required.

Flexible payment options available

Bin Suwaidan urged vehicle owners to keep their contact details updated with Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority so they do not miss important notifications about fines and registration.

Motorists can check and pay fines through several channels, including the Dubai Police smart app, its website, self-service kiosks and Smart Police Stations.

Dubai Police also offers instalment options to help motorists clear outstanding fines. These include payment through the Tabby service and interest-free instalment plans available through authorised partners.

Bin Suwaidan urged motorists to treat traffic compliance as a daily responsibility. While paying fines is a legal obligation, he said the best way to avoid penalties is to follow traffic rules in the first place and help keep Dubai’s roads safe.