Roughly 30 vehicles were pulled off Dubai’s roads over the past year once their unpaid traffic penalties climbed past AED 6,000, the point at which local law permits seizure, a traffic official said.
Several of the impounded vehicles carried far heavier debts, with fines running into the tens of thousands of dirhams, according to Dubai Police. The seizures also swept up cars whose registrations had lapsed, in certain instances for years at a stretch.
Vehicle impoundment in the emirate falls under Decree No. 29 of 2015, later revised by Decree No. 30 of 2023, which sets the AED 6,000 mark as the trigger for seizure. Owners looking to recover a confiscated vehicle are required to clear the full amount owed.
Enforcement crews rely on smart technology able to scan license plates and flag wanted vehicles whether those cars are moving or sitting in public spaces, police said. Drivers nearing or crossing the fine ceiling receive direct contact, along with text messages and smart alerts pushing them to clear their records before authorities step in, as reported by Emarat Al Youm.
Police also warned drivers against holding off on payment while betting that discount campaigns might surface, explaining that any such reductions stem from careful review of violation patterns and accident data rather than arbitrary timing.
For those struggling to pay, Dubai Police pointed to installment arrangements and other options offered through its partners, framing its wider strategy as a blend of public awareness and firm enforcement aimed at keeping roads safer.
