Back-to-school alert: 5 serious traffic offences around schools that could get your car seized in UAE

Authorities warn parents and motorists against major violations

Last updated: August 24, 2025 | 17:35

2 MIN READ

Illustrative image. The warning, issued by traffic enforcement authorities, comes as part of intensified efforts to ensure safety around schools and on the country’s roads during the busy back-to-school period.

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Dubai: As schools across the UAE prepare to welcome nearly one million students on Monday for the start of the 2025–26 academic year, authorities are urging parents and motorists to avoid five major traffic violations that carry immediate vehicle impoundment.

The warning, issued by traffic enforcement authorities, comes as part of intensified efforts to ensure safety around schools and on the country’s roads during the busy back-to-school period.

Also Read: UAE renews strict warnings on school zone traffic violations

Traffic officers are mandated to seize vehicles on the spot in the following cases:

Unroadworthy condition — Vehicles deemed mechanically unsafe or missing essential requirements, such as licence plates, a muffler, functioning brakes, or proper night-time lighting, will be banned from the road until repaired. Such cars may only be transported to a repair facility on another vehicle.
Driving without a licence (repeat offence) — A vehicle will be impounded if a driver is caught without a licence for the second time. Release is conditional on presenting a valid licence and meeting other requirements.
Unlicensed driver behind the wheel — Cars driven by individuals without a valid licence will be impounded and released only to the legal owner or an authorised representative.
Illegal modifications — Vehicles with unapproved structural changes to the chassis, body, engine power, or colour, or those used in violation of licensing rules, may be seized.
Criminal cases — Vehicles involved in accidents linked to criminal offences and required as evidence may be held in custody.

Officials stressed that the measures are intended not just to enforce the law but to protect students, families and other road users at a time of increased traffic.

Also Read: Back-to-School rush: Thousands of school buses to hit UAE roads – plan ahead

Parents and motorists were urged to follow traffic regulations — particularly during school drop-off and pick-up hours — to ensure a safe start to the new academic year.

Khitam Al AmirChief News Editor

With over 30 years of journalistic experience spanning from Jordan to the UAE, Khitam has spent the past 22 years reporting on national and regional news from Dubai, with a strong focus on the UAE, GCC and broader Arab affairs. As Chief News Editor, she brings extensive expertise in delivering breaking and engaging news to readers. Beginning her tenure as a translator, she advanced through roles as Senior Translator and Chief Translator before transitioning to editorial positions, culminating in her current leadership role. Her responsibilities encompass monitoring breaking news across the UAE and the broader Arab region, ensuring timely and accurate dissemination to the public. Born into a family of journalists, Khitam's passion for news was ignited early in life. A defining moment in her youth occurred in September 1985 when she had the opportunity to converse with the late British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher during her visit to a Palestinian refugee camp north of Amman. During this encounter, Khitam shared her family's experiences of displacement from their home in Palestine and their subsequent refuge in Jordan. This poignant interaction not only deepened her understanding of geopolitical issues but also solidified her commitment to pursuing a career in journalism, aiming to shed light on the stories of those affected by regional conflicts. Khitam’s commitment to accurate and timely reporting drives her to seek out news that interests readers, making her a trusted source for news on the UAE and the broader Gulf region.