How Dubai Police’s ‘Smart Impound’ service lets you keep your vehicle at home

Manage vehicle impoundment from your preferred location with a GPS monitoring system

Last updated:
Zainab Husain, Features Writer
2 MIN READ
The Smart Impound service provides an alternative to traditional vehicle impoundment, offering convenience for motorists while ensuring compliance with Dubai Police regulations.
The Smart Impound service provides an alternative to traditional vehicle impoundment, offering convenience for motorists while ensuring compliance with Dubai Police regulations.
Ahmad Alotbi /Gulf News

Dubai: For motorists in Dubai who commit serious traffic violations, vehicle impoundment is often a standard penalty. Dubai Police typically seize the vehicle and hold it at a designated impound location for a specific duration, depending on the severity of the violation. For instance, failing to maintain a safe distance between vehicles could lead to a 30-day impoundment, while entering a road without ensuring it is clear may result in a 14-day impoundment.

However, motorists now have the option to use Dubai Police's ‘Smart Impound’ service, allowing them to keep their vehicle at a location of their choice, such as their home. A smart device is installed and connected to the Operations Department, enabling authorities to monitor the vehicle remotely. Here's everything you need to know about this innovative service.

How does the Smart Impound Service work?

According to a Gulf News report from 2021, motorists can request the Smart Impound service through the Dubai Police app. After registration, a team of technicians installs a GPS-enabled device on the vehicle. This device allows Dubai Police to monitor the car's location in real time and detect any unauthorised movement. The vehicle appears on a live map in the command room, and notifications are triggered if the vehicle is moved.

Steps to apply for the Smart Impound service

1. Open the Dubai Police app

  • Available on Apple, Android, and Huawei devices.

  • Navigate to the ‘Services’ section and select Traffic Services, then tap on Smart Impound.

2. Provide vehicle details

  • Enter one of the following: Licence number, Vehicle Plate number, Traffic File number, or Traffic Fine number.

3. Complete the application

  • Fill out the application form.

  • Settle any outstanding traffic fines linked to the vehicle.

4. Pay the service fees

  • The total fee includes a Dh400 service charge, Dh20 knowledge and innovation fees, and an additional Dh100 per month if the impound period is extended.

5. Receive confirmation

  • You will receive a transaction number via SMS and email for tracking the status of your request.

6. Device installation

  • Visit the General Department of Traffic for the installation of the monitoring device.

7. Removal of the device

  • Once the impoundment period is complete, return to the Dubai Police Traffic Department to have the device removed.

Service fees

  • Standard fee: Dh400

  • Knowledge and innovation fees: Dh20

  • Additional monthly fee: Dh100 per month (if required

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