E-Paper
Sign In
Dubai Police seize 497 vehicles for accumulated traffic fines in first half of 2026
Traffic teams found some vehicles carrying tens of thousands of dirhams in fines, while others had gone years without registration renewal
- PUBLISHED: Sun 23 Aug 2026, 2:06 PM
Dubai Police seized 497 vehicles with accumulated traffic fines during inspection campaigns in the first half of 2026, as authorities stepped up enforcement against motorists who leave penalties unpaid and vehicle registrations unrenewed.
Brig. 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, while several owners had not renewed their vehicle registrations for years.
Recommended For You
For UAE motorists, the warning comes as authorities urge drivers to keep track of their traffic records rather than allow fines to build up. Brig. Suwaidan said neglecting outstanding penalties could result in vehicle impoundment, legal action, higher financial burdens and the suspension of vehicle-related transactions.
Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels.
Warning against driving unregistered vehicles
The accumulation of fines and failure to renew registration, he said, reflect irresponsible behaviour and disregard for 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 added.
Brig. Suwaidan also stressed that traffic fines are not simply a mechanism for collecting penalties. They are intended to deter dangerous driving, discourage repeat offences and reinforce compliance with traffic laws.
Repeated violations can put drivers and other road users at greater risk of crashes, potentially resulting in fatalities, injuries and material damage.
Dubai Police will continue inspection campaigns targeting vehicles with accumulated violations and expired registrations, with legal action taken where required.
The force's approach is firm, with the official stressing that leniency in paying fines or leaving a vehicle unregistered does not remove the owner's responsibility.
Smart technology used to track vehicles
Field teams are using an integrated network of smart technologies to identify wanted vehicles and establish their locations, including on roads, in parking lots and in public areas.
The technology allows officers to improve enforcement efficiency and take swift legal action when vehicles are identified.
But authorities said enforcement is not limited to impounding vehicles. Before legal action is taken, the General Department of Traffic contacts vehicle owners through phone calls, text messages and email, urging them to clear outstanding fines and renew their registrations.
The campaigns, Brig. Suwaidan said, are also aimed at raising traffic awareness and strengthening driver responsibility.
Vehicle owners in Dubai have also been urged to keep their contact details updated with the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) so they receive notifications and alerts about fines.
Drivers are encouraged to regularly check their traffic records rather than wait until penalties accumulate into amounts that become difficult to settle.
Dubai Police offers several secure channels for motorists to check and pay fines around the clock, including its smart app and website, self-service kiosks and Smart Police Stations.
For owners struggling to clear accumulated penalties, flexible instalment options are also available through the Dubai Police app, the Tabby service and interest-free instalment arrangements with authorised entities.
“These options help vehicle owners manage their financial obligations, settle accumulated fines, and avoid the legal and financial consequences of delayed payment,” he added.
Brig. Suwaidan called on motorists to make traffic compliance a lasting habit, stressing that paying fines is a legal responsibility — but avoiding violations in the first place remains the best way to protect lives, property and safety on Dubai's roads.
