UAE: How to pay abandoned vehicle fines in Dubai

Dubai: Planning a holiday and leaving your car parked outside in Dubai? If you don’t have someone to take care of it, your vehicle might collect dust, leading to a Dh500 fine from Dubai Municipality.

Recently, the local municipal authority reminded motorists not to leave their cars unattended and dirty. According to Dubai Municipality, abandoned cars detract from the urban and aesthetic appeal of the city. In the first of 2025, Dubai Municipality impounded 1,387 abandoned vehicles and equipment.

If you do happen to leave your car unattended, Dubai Municipality recommends the following ways to avoid the Dh500 fine:

• Clean your vehicles regularly, especially before travelling.
• Do not leave your vehicle on the road if it is damaged or is obstructing cleaning operations and road traffic.
• Park in designated areas, avoid leaving vehicles in public areas.

By following these guidelines, you can keep your car in good standing and avoid unnecessary fines while you enjoy your holiday.

If you do happen to get a fine, Dubai Municipality will first send an SMS to the mobile number registered with the vehicle’s number plate, stating that the Dh500 fine must be paid within a specific period, usually between three to 15 days, depending on the location and condition of the vehicle.

Ignoring the warning can lead to your vehicle being towed to the impound yard in Al Awir and retrieving it will cost you an additional Dh1,381, including fines, storage charges, and towing costs.

To avoid vehicle impoundment, clear the fines online:

- Visit the official Dubai Municipality website - www.dm.gov.ae, and scroll down until you see ‘Quick Pay’.
- Then under the ‘Payment’ section, select ‘Clear your fines – vehicle’ from the drop-down menu.
- Next, enter your place number, source, plate type and plate colour and click ‘Check’.
- You will then be able to view the fine registered against the vehicle and settle the fine online with your credit or debit card.