Crossing a red signal is a major offence in the UAE and carries significant penalties. Here’s what you need to know:
1. Penalties in Dubai
- Vehicle Confiscation: 30 days
- Fine: 1,000 AED
- Black Points: 12 (out of a maximum 23 allowed per year)
If you exceed 23 black points in a year, your driving license will be confiscated.
2. Avoiding Vehicle Confiscation in Dubai
If you prefer not to have your car impounded, you can pay the vehicle confiscation fee along with the fine and black points, totaling around 4,000 AED.
There are two confiscation options:
- Government Confiscation Yard: Your vehicle is confiscated at the official government yard.
- Smart Impound: Your car remains at your location, fitted with a smart-impound device. The fee is 420 AED. You can collect the device at Al Barsha RTA or Deira RTA, and return it back there only when confiscation period ends.
3. Penalties in Other Emirates
The same red‑light violations apply in almost all the emirates. However, if you opt to avoid vehicle confiscation, the combined fees generally range between 3,000 AED and 4,000 AED, varying by emirate.
By understanding these penalties and options, you can make informed decisions if you ever cross a red signal in the UAE. Always drive safely and obey traffic signals to avoid these severe consequences.