Dubai Police seized 497 vehicles with accumulated traffic fines during inspection campaigns in the first half of 2026, as the force steps up enforcement against motorists who leave penalties unpaid and vehicle registrations unrenewed.
Brigadier Juma bin Suwaidan, Director of the General Department of Traffic, said some of the vehicles had accumulated fines running into tens of thousands of dirhams. Several owners had not renewed their vehicle registrations for years.
What happens when fines go unpaid
Brig. Suwaidan said neglecting outstanding penalties can result in vehicle impoundment, legal action, higher financial burdens and the suspension of vehicle-related transactions. He described the accumulation of fines and failure to renew registration as irresponsible behaviour that disregards regulations intended to protect lives and property.
‘Driving an unregistered vehicle poses a serious risk to the safety of both the driver and other road users, especially if the vehicle has not undergone technical inspection to confirm its roadworthiness,’ he said.
The Dubai Police vehicle seizures programme operates under Decree No. 29 of 2015 on vehicle impoundment in Dubai, which has since been amended to cover additional violations. Under the amended decree, fines range from Dh10,000 for offences such as modifying a vehicle to increase its speed or noise, or for fleeing from police, up to Dh100,000 for participating in unauthorised road races, according to the Dubai Police official newsroom. The amended law covers 13 types of violations in total, including seven new categories.
Each impoundment case is presented to a specialised committee within the General Department of Traffic to determine whether the violation warrants application of the vehicle-release fine, as set out in the amended decree and confirmed by the Dubai Media Office.
Technology and outreach behind the Dubai Police vehicle seizures
Field teams are using an integrated network of smart technologies to identify vehicles with outstanding violations and establish their locations on roads, in parking lots and in public areas.
Before impounding a vehicle, the General Department of Traffic contacts owners by phone, text message and email, urging them to clear outstanding fines and renew registrations. Brig. Suwaidan said the campaigns are also aimed at raising traffic awareness and strengthening driver responsibility.
Vehicle owners have been urged to keep their contact details updated with the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) to receive fine notifications. The RTA requires all outstanding fines to be cleared before a registration renewal can proceed, and renewal also requires valid insurance and a current technical inspection certificate.
Dubai Police offers several channels for motorists to check and pay fines around the clock: its smart app and website, self-service kiosks and Smart Police Stations. For owners with substantial accumulated penalties, flexible instalment options are available through the Dubai Police app, the Tabby service and interest-free arrangements with authorised entities.
Brig. Suwaidan called on motorists to make traffic compliance a lasting habit, stressing that avoiding violations in the first place remains the most effective way to protect lives, property and safety on Dubai’s roads.
Inspection campaigns targeting vehicles with accumulated violations and expired registrations will continue, with legal action taken where required.
