UAE residents reveal how they rack up, budget for traffic fines

UAE traffic fines

Traffic fines in the UAE can be hefty, with some residents accumulating penalties that significantly impact their finances. A recent Khaleej Times poll revealed that over 500 respondents have fines exceeding Dh20,000, highlighting the serious consequences of traffic violations in the region.

One notable case is that of Emirati driver H. K, who accrued Dh80,000 in fines in 2023, primarily due to speeding. "Most of them were speeding fines," she explained, admitting that some violations occurred without her knowledge. The majority happened during long drives where she was unsure of the speed limits. Her other fines included lane discipline and using a mobile phone while driving. Despite starting each year with a pledge to drive better, H. K found herself speeding due to being late. The Dh80,000 bill was a wake-up call, prompting her to strive for safer driving habits.

The poll results show that the majority of respondents, over 7,500 out of 9,100, incurred less than Dh5,000 in fines annually. However, traffic violations are a widespread issue, as evidenced by the 300,000 penalties Abu Dhabi police issued last year for driving too slowly on highways. The emirate enforces a minimum speed of 120km/h on certain lanes to reduce accidents.

Indian expatriate Shanil Abdul Rahman is among those fined for slow driving. Traveling frequently between Ajman and Abu Dhabi, he and his wife set aside Dh2,000 for fines in their yearly budget. Despite their efforts, they incurred Dh1,400 in fines for driving below the speed limit within minutes of each other on the same road. This experience suggests that their budget may fall short as the year progresses.

For some residents, the risk of fines influences major decisions, such as where to live. German expatriate Maheen Husainy and her husband considered moving further from the city due to rising rents but ultimately decided against it. "When we calculated the expenses of petrol and the possibilities of fines, we decided against moving," she said, emphasizing the increased risk of fines with longer commutes.

Others have learned costly lessons from traffic fines. Pakistani expatriate Sara K recounted how her younger brother amassed Dh30,000 in fines during his first year of driving. His reckless speeding incurred the family's wrath, leading to stricter driving rules. This experience taught him discipline, and he has avoided speeding fines since.

Emirati driver Noora T also learned from her Dh6,000 fine in 2018. Shocked by the amount, she resolved to drive carefully and has since avoided any fines. "I work very hard to earn my money, and I would much rather use it to buy myself gifts or spend it on something that I enjoy than pay it in fines," she said.

Dubai Police list various traffic violations and their corresponding fines. These include Dh2,000 for dangerous driving, Dh800 for using a handheld mobile phone while driving, and Dh1,000 for exceeding the speed limit by over 80km/h. Such penalties, combined with black points and vehicle confiscation, underscore the importance of adhering to traffic regulations in the UAE.