Top Fines You Can Avoid When Driving a Rental Car in the UAE

When you rent a car in Dubai, one of the most common ways to get a fine is by speeding. It’s really easy to go a little too fast, especially if you’re not used to the roads or the speed limits. The UAE has strict speed limits in place to keep everyone safe, and they’re enforced pretty seriously. You’ll see signs everywhere telling you the limit, and these aren’t just suggestions; they’re the law.

Exceeding these limits, even by a small amount, can land you with a hefty fine. The penalties get worse the faster you go. For instance, going over the limit by 10-20 km/h might get you a smaller fine, but if you’re going 80 km/h or more over the limit, you’re looking at a serious penalty, including a big fine and even having the car confiscated for a period. That’s definitely not something you want to deal with on vacation.

Here’s a general idea of what speeding fines can look like, though the exact amounts can vary slightly:

Speed Over Limit	Fine (AED)	Black Points
10-20 km/h	300	6
20-30 km/h	600	6
30-40 km/h	700	6
40-50 km/h	800	6
50-60 km/h	1,000	6
60-70 km/h	1,500	12
70-80 km/h	2,000	12
Over 80 km/h	3,000	23

Red-Light Camera Violations

You know, those bright red lights at intersections? They’re not just for show. In the UAE, running a red light is a serious offense that comes with some pretty hefty penalties, and rental car companies are quick to pass those costs on. It’s one of those fines you really want to avoid.

What Happens When You Run a Red Light?

These violations are typically caught by red-light cameras, which are strategically placed at major intersections. They’re designed to catch drivers who don’t stop when the light turns red. It’s not just about a quick dash through; even entering the intersection when the light is red can trigger the camera. The system is pretty sophisticated, capturing your license plate and vehicle details.

Fine Amounts and Consequences

While the exact amounts can vary slightly by emirate, here’s a general idea of what you might face:

Violation Type	Typical Fine Range	Black Points	Additional Penalties
Parking in disabled spots	AED 1,000	0	Vehicle confiscation
Blocking pavements/walkways	AED 400	0	None
Parking in fire zones	AED 1,000	0	Vehicle confiscation
Unauthorized parking (general)	AED 500	0	None

Remember, these are just examples. The best approach is always to look for official signage and designated parking areas. If you’re unsure, it’s better to take a few extra minutes to find a clearly legal spot than to risk a fine.

How to Avoid Parking Fines

• Read the signs: Seriously, take a moment to look at the parking signs. They tell you everything you need to know about restrictions, timings, and payment requirements.
• Use designated parking: Stick to marked bays and official parking lots. If it looks like a questionable spot, it probably is.
• Pay for parking: If it’s a paid zone, use the available payment methods (apps, meters, SMS) promptly. Keep your ticket or confirmation handy.
• Be mindful of others: Don’t park in a way that inconveniences others, like blocking driveways or taking up more than one space.

Using Mobile Phones While Driving

Here’s an interesting (but super common) thing to consider here, the UAE is a big fun fan of them; using your phone while driving like a plonker. We all know those times where we feel we just have to check that notification or send a quick reply, right? But seriously, when you’re at the wheel of a rental car in traffic-choked places like the UAE, that little device is an added hazard. There’s not just the possibility of a hefty fine on the line; there’s keeping yourself and everyone else safe.

Think about it. When you look at your phone — even for a second or two, as he was quick to point out to me after I grabbed it from him seconds before he almost took the whole family out with his mom on a run — you simply are not looking at the road. That’s a lot of miles traveled with your attention less than fully on what’s important. The UAE is quite draconian about these sort of things, and with good reasons. Drivers on the phone are one of the leading causes of accidents and they’re working hard to eliminate that.

The Penalties for Phone Use

The rules are pretty clear. You get fined if you were seen to use your phone in a manner that tempts you with distraction from drive. It’s not insignificant either, so definitely something to kick out of your routine.

Violation Fine (AED) Black Points Additional Penalties

Driving while using phone 800 4 None

As you can see, that’s AED 800 and a slapped with 4 black points in your driving history. For a rental car, the cost for this is very likely to come straight out of your pocket from that rental company, plus any administrative fees slapped on by them. That seems a high price to pay for a fast text.

How to Avoid This Fine

This particular fine is actually quite easy to avoid. It’s mostly a matter of a little self-control and foresight.

• Set it and forget it: Before you even roll out, silence your phone or put it on “do not disturb.” If you are awaiting an important call or message, tell others that you will be driving for a while and respond when you have come to a stop.

• Hands off: If you absolutely cannot resist a call, make sure your phone is enabled with a hands-free system. That’s using Bluetooth or another way to prop the phone up where you don’t have to pick it up and can initiate a call. Even then, you should aim to keep conversations short and to the point.

• Pull over: If you have to look up directions, send an involved text or any other task that can’t be done with a quick glance, take the time to pull over in a safe spot. There are many lay-bys and parking places. Better to have that extra few minutes than a ticket, or (yikes!) an accident.

Ignoring Traffic Signals

Alright, on to something really important when you’re behind the wheel of that rental car in UAE : It’s about running red lights and ignoring traffic signals. It’s just a little thing, you think, maybe you’re in a rush or somehow didn’t notice it — but trust me, this is one of those offenses that can hit your wallet especially hard.

Here is a brief glimpse at what to expect:

Violation Fine (AED) Black Points Additional Penalties

Running a Red Light 1,000 12 Vehicle Impoundment (30 days)

See? That’s not a small penalty. An AED 1,000 fine with 12 black points and your rental car being confiscated for a month? That’s really going to put a crimp in your trip, as well as your billfold.

Why It’s So Serious

It’s not just the fine, however. It’s amazingly dangerous to run a red light. Really you’re riding a bet with your life and the lives of everyone else on the road. Just think: the light turned red for you because cross-traffic needs to go. Do not speed your way through or you will cause a major accident. Rental car companies often have provisions in their contracts regarding serious traffic offenses, and this certainly is such a thing. They could forward other administrative fees to you, or they may fob off the time of impound on you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What If I get a speeding ticket in a rental car?

Speeding tickets are   SUPER common with rental cars. The rental company is likely to learn of it too, as the ticket will be linked to the license plate on your rental car. They are likely to charge you for the fine, and sometimes a small fee on top of that to handle it. That’s something you might as well knock out sooner rather than later so it doesn’t become another problem or result in additional fees down the road.

Can i be sued by the rental company if I refuse to pay my fines?

Yes, they can. Your rental agreement will typically say that you are on the hook for any tickets you receive. If you depart the country without paying, the rental company may be subject to the fine for a subsequent period. They then can attempt to recover that money from you, and in certain instances, they may even be able to secure a travel ban on you until the fines are paid.”

How can I stay fine free on the UAE roads?

The easiest way to not have to worry about fines is to know and follow the rules! Be wary of speed limits, as they do vary between city streets and highways. Signal your turns, do not use a phone while driving and park only in marked areas. A GPS app that displays speed limits can also be a big help.