RTA Fine Check: How to Read, Dispute and Clear Traffic Fines

To check RTA traffic fines in Dubai, download the RTA Dubai or Dubai Police app, enter your vehicle plate number and traffic file number (found on your registration card), and view all pending fines, black points and amounts. You can also check via the official RTA website or dubai.ae portal using your Emirates ID login.

1. Understanding RTA and Dubai Police Fines: What's the Difference?

In the UAE, traffic fines come from two main sources. RTA Dubai fines are issued for violations related to parking, Salik toll gates, vehicle registration, and some automated speed cameras within Dubai. Dubai Police fines cover moving violations such as speeding, running red lights, illegal lane changes, using a phone while driving, and other on-road offences.

Both types of fines appear when you perform an RTA fine check, but they are managed by different authorities. Most drivers see a mix of both on their record. Black points are assigned by police for serious traffic violations and accumulate on your UAE driving licence, not your vehicle registration. If you reach 24 black points within one year, your licence is suspended for three months.

Abu Dhabi Police, Sharjah Police and other emirate authorities issue fines separately, but you can check them all through the Ministry of Interior app or the unified dubai.ae portal.

2. How to Check Your Traffic Fines Online (Four Official Methods)

Method A: RTA Dubai App (iOS and Android)

The RTA Dubai app is the fastest way to check fines for Dubai-registered vehicles. Download it from the App Store or Google Play, open the app, and navigate to Fines Inquiry. You will be asked to enter your plate number, plate code (the emirate letter code), and traffic file number. The traffic file number is printed on your vehicle registration card (Mulkiya) in the top right corner.

Within seconds, the app displays all pending fines with the date, location, violation code, fine amount in AED, and any black points. You can pay directly via credit card, debit card or Apple Pay inside the app.

Method B: Dubai Police App

The Dubai Police app covers all police-issued fines across Dubai. After installing the app, select Traffic Services then Fine Inquiry. Enter your plate number and traffic file number. The app will show fines, black points, and the option to pay immediately. You can also contest a fine within the app if you believe it was issued in error.

Method C: RTA Website (rta.ae)

Visit the official RTA website, navigate to Public Transport and Roads then Traffic Fines Services. Click Inquire and Pay Traffic Fines. You will need to log in using your UAE Pass (Emirates ID-linked digital identity) or enter your plate details manually. The portal displays all RTA Dubai and Dubai Police fines linked to your vehicle.

Method D: dubai.ae Unified Portal

The dubai.ae portal integrates services from RTA, Dubai Police, and other government entities. After logging in with UAE Pass, go to Roads and Transport then Check and Pay Traffic Fines. This method is useful if you own multiple vehicles or want to see fines across different emirates in one view.

3. What to Do When Official Apps or Websites Are Down

Occasionally, the RTA Dubai app or dubai.ae portal may be unavailable due to maintenance, especially late at night or during major system updates. If you cannot access the app or website, try these alternatives:

• RTA customer service kiosks: Found at all RTA customer happiness centres and major malls in Dubai, these kiosks allow fine inquiry and payment without an app.
• SMS service: Send your plate number to the RTA SMS service (check the current short code on the RTA website, as it changes periodically).
• Call RTA customer service: Dial 8009090 (toll-free within UAE) and request a fine inquiry over the phone. Have your traffic file number ready.
• Visit a Tasjeel or RTA centre: Staff can pull up your fine record and process payment on the spot.

If you are travelling and need urgent confirmation before leaving the UAE, call ahead or visit a customer centre in person rather than relying solely on digital channels.

4. Reading Your Fine: Violation Codes, Amounts and Black Points

Each traffic fine in Dubai includes a violation code, a description, the fine amount in AED, and the number of black points (if applicable). Common violation codes include:

• Code 48: Exceeding speed limit by more than 80 km/h – AED 3,000 fine, 23 black points, 60-day vehicle impound
• Code 49: Exceeding speed limit by 60–80 km/h – AED 2,000 fine, 12 black points, 30-day vehicle impound
• Code 50: Exceeding speed limit by 40–60 km/h – AED 1,500 fine, 6 black points
• Code 51: Exceeding speed limit by 20–40 km/h – AED 600 fine, 4 black points
• Code 52: Using mobile phone while driving – AED 400 fine, 4 black points
• Code 64: Running a red light – AED 1,000 fine, 12 black points
• Parking violations: Typically AED 150–500, no black points
• Salik non-payment: AED 50 per unpaid toll, plus AED 100 administrative fee after 10 days

Black points remain on your licence for one year from the date of the violation. If you accumulate 24 points, your licence is suspended. You can reduce black points by attending a traffic awareness course offered by RTA, which deducts up to 4 points once per year.

5. How to Pay Your Traffic Fines (and Why Timing Matters)

You can pay traffic fines via the RTA Dubai app, Dubai Police app, RTA website, dubai.ae portal, or in person at any RTA customer happiness centre or Tasjeel branch. Payment methods include credit card, debit card, cash (in person), or direct bank transfer.

Fines must be cleared before you can renew your vehicle registration. If your registration expires while fines are unpaid, you cannot legally drive the vehicle and will incur additional penalties for driving an unregistered car. Most workshops, including general maintenance providers, will check your registration status before performing services like oil change or tire services, as an expired registration can complicate insurance claims.

Some fines offer a discount if paid within a certain period. RTA occasionally runs campaigns offering 25–50% reductions on older fines, typically announced via social media and the RTA website. Check the portal regularly if you have outstanding fines to take advantage of these offers.

6. How to Dispute a Traffic Fine in Dubai

If you believe a fine was issued in error, you can contest it through the Dubai Police app or by visiting a Dubai Police traffic department in person. Common grounds for dispute include:

• The vehicle was sold or transferred before the violation date (provide the sale contract or transfer document)
• You were not driving the vehicle at the time (requires proof and witness statements)
• The camera or radar malfunctioned (rare, but you can request a technical review)
• The signage was unclear or missing (photographic evidence required)

To file a dispute via the Dubai Police app, open the fine details and tap Contest Fine. Upload supporting documents (photos, contracts, witness statements) and submit. You will receive a reference number and a response within 5–10 working days. If the dispute is rejected, you can escalate to the Dubai Courts traffic prosecution section within 30 days.

Do not ignore a fine while disputing it. If the dispute is rejected, the original fine and black points will still apply, and late payment may trigger additional penalties.

7. Black Points: How They Work and How to Remove Them

Black points are penalty points added to your UAE driving licence for serious traffic violations. They are separate from fines and remain on your record for 12 months from the violation date. If you accumulate:

• 24 points or more: Licence suspended for 3 months
• Second suspension within 2 years: Licence suspended for 6 months
• Third suspension: Licence suspended for 1 year

You can check your black points balance via the RTA Dubai app, Dubai Police app, or by visiting an RTA customer happiness centre. To reduce black points, enrol in the RTA Traffic Awareness Course, a half-day classroom session that deducts 4 black points upon completion. You are eligible once per year, and the course costs approximately AED 400 (confirm current fees on the RTA website).

If your licence is suspended, you must surrender it to RTA or Dubai Police for the suspension period. Driving during suspension results in a minimum AED 5,000 fine, 23 black points, and vehicle impoundment.

8. Checking Fines for Vehicles Registered in Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Other Emirates

If your vehicle is registered in Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Umm Al Quwain or Fujairah, you can check fines via the Ministry of Interior (MOI) app or the Abu Dhabi Police app (for Abu Dhabi-registered vehicles). The MOI app consolidates fines from all seven emirates and federal police.

Download the MOI app, select Traffic Services, then Fines Inquiry. Enter your plate number and traffic file number. The app displays fines from Abu Dhabi Police, Sharjah Police, and other authorities, along with black points and payment options.

For Abu Dhabi-specific services, the Darb toll system fines are managed separately via the Darb app or website. Unpaid Darb tolls accumulate administrative fees similar to Dubai's Salik system.

9. Common Mistakes That Delay Fine Clearance

Many drivers encounter delays or rejections when trying to clear fines or renew registration. The most common mistakes include:

• Paying only the fine amount and ignoring black points: Black points remain even after payment and can block licence renewal or insurance claims.
• Not updating ownership after selling a vehicle: If the buyer commits violations before transferring registration, fines appear on your record. Always complete the transfer at an RTA or Tasjeel centre immediately after sale.
• Assuming fines auto-clear after payment: Payment can take 24–48 hours to reflect in the system. Check the app or portal before attempting registration renewal.
• Ignoring vehicle impound notices: Some serious violations result in vehicle impoundment. You must pay the fine, any storage fees, and collect the vehicle within the specified period or face additional penalties.
• Using unofficial third-party fine-check websites: These sites may display outdated information or charge unnecessary fees. Always use official RTA, Dubai Police, or MOI channels.

10. Fine Checks Before Selling, Buying or Travelling

Before selling your car, perform a full RTA fine check and clear all outstanding amounts. Buyers increasingly request a clean fine record as part of the pre-purchase inspection process. Uncleared fines can delay or block the ownership transfer at Tasjeel or RTA centres.

If you are buying a used car, ask the seller to provide a recent fine inquiry screenshot or check the fines yourself using the plate number before signing the sale contract. Some sellers attempt to transfer vehicles with hidden fines or black points, which become your responsibility once ownership is transferred.

Before travelling outside the UAE, especially if you plan to drive across GCC borders, ensure all fines are cleared. Some countries share traffic violation data, and unpaid UAE fines can trigger issues at border crossings or upon re-entry.

How Regular Maintenance Helps You Avoid Fines

Many traffic fines in Dubai result from vehicle defects rather than driver behaviour. Faulty brake lights, worn tyres, and malfunctioning indicators can all trigger police stops and fines. Regular servicing at an independent specialist ensures your brake services, electrical and electronics, and diagnostic services are up to date, reducing the risk of equipment-related violations.

For European and EV models such as BMW, Audi, Mercedes-Benz, Volvo, and Polestar, manufacturer-grade diagnostic equipment can detect issues before they result in breakdowns or safety violations. Keeping your vehicle roadworthy is the simplest way to avoid fines and black points.