Is a Fire Extinguisher Mandatory in a Car in the UAE?

Is a fire extinguisher mandatory in a car in the UAE? This guide sheds light on this highly debated topic, exploring emirate-specific requirements, enforcements, & associated penalties. Learn about the UAE’s updated regulations for fire extinguishers. 

Official reports indicate 2,189 vehicle fire incidents in Abu Dhabi and Dubai alone in 2024—43% attributed to summer heat. Combating such issues on the go demands the mandatory installation of fire extinguishers. However, whether a fire extinguisher is actually mandatory—varies in different emirates. 

Let’s explore the UAE’s legal landscape for fire extinguisher requirements & find out if it’s recommended or mandatory.

Federal Regulations on Vehicle Safety Equipment

While many claim that the UAE mandates compulsory fire extinguishers in all vehicles to pass annual inspection, there is no explicit rule, applies to all vehicles. The cornerstone is Federal Law No. 21 of 1995 Concerning Traffic, Article 34. This article mandates fire extinguishers for buses, trucks, and fuel tankers. It allows optional extension to other vehicles—no explicit requirement for personal cars. 

My in-depth research confirms there are no amendments in 2025. The widespread claims of a Federal Law No. 12 of 2024 on this topic (that law covers public-private partnerships) are not true. The UAE Fire and Life Safety Code of Practice (2018, referenced in 2024) prioritizes buildings and public spaces, not private vehicles.

Ministry of Interior legislation lists no vehicle-specific fire updates for 2025. This framework leaves room for emirate-level rules, with heavy vehicles uniformly required federally.

Emirate-Specific Requirements

Since no federal law explicitly covers the mandatory requirement of fire extinguishers, it decentralizes—empowering emirate-specific local regulations. 

Abu Dhabi:

Fire extinguishers in cars are mandatory in Abu Dhabi. Enforced mandatory since September 1, 2013, for all vehicles via Abu Dhabi Police directives. Civil Defense & Abu Dhabi Police’s 2025 Safe Summer campaign reinforces this, labeling it a legal necessity with guidelines for 1-2 kg ABC extinguishers. TAMM portal advises having one as part of road safety equipment.

Dubai:

As of Q3 2025, fire extinguishers requirements are not clear per the official rulebook for passenger cars. The RTA Dubai’s Vehicle Inspection Manual only mandates fire extinguishers for heavy vehicles and trailers. However, you must have a fire extinguisher in your car to pass the yearly inspection.

The people who check your car at places like Tasjeel or Shamil will fail it if they don't see one. This makes it a required item for every driver in Dubai who wants to renew their car's registration. It’s part of a bigger safety push by the police and the RTA to make the roads safer, especially in the heat.

Other Emirates (e.g., Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah):

Similar to Dubai, while there is no explicit local law mandating fire extinguishers for light vehicles, it is a crucial safety measure to have fire extinguishers in your car. Lately, it is increasingly being checked during annual vehicle inspections.

Authorities in these emirates consistently recommend having a fire extinguisher. This is a good & practical practice that aligns with the UAE's overall goal of enhancing road safety. It's wise to assume you will need one to pass your inspection, just as you would in Dubai.

Social media and news in 2025 (e.g., Instagram posts) sometimes claim nationwide mandates, but these appear overstated, likely referencing Abu Dhabi.

Penalties & Enforcement

Penalties for not incorporating a fire extinguisher in your car in the UAE are certain only in Abu Dhabi. In other emirates, it only concerns the annual vehicle inspection.

Abu Dhabi:

Not having a fire extinguisher in a personal vehicle is considered a violation of vehicle safety regulations in Abu Dhabi. The specific fine for missing fire extinguisher isn't a separate offense on the general traffic fine lists. Abu Dhabi Police can issue a fine under broader violations, like driving a vehicle that doesn't comply with safety measures.

Historically, media reports from the time the rule was introduced in 2013 mentioned fines of around AED 500. Recent public campaigns by Abu Dhabi Police and Civil Defence continue to emphasize this as a legal necessity. This means you risk a fine during a police spot check if your vehicle is not equipped with one.

Other Emirates (Including Dubai):

In all other emirates, there is typically no direct traffic fine issued by police for a light vehicle missing a fire extinguisher. However, the most significant penalty is failing the mandatory annual vehicle inspection required for registration renewal.

• Annual Vehicle Inspection: This is the primary and most certain form of enforcement. Without a fire extinguisher, your car will not pass the safety test, making it illegal to drive and impossible to renew your registration.

• Police Enforcement: While less common for this specific violation, police can conduct spot checks as part of broader road safety campaigns.

Key Developments

There have been no new federal laws for personal vehicles in 2025. However, the UAE continues to enhance its fire safety regulations. Recent updates now require advanced fire suppression systems in school buses, demonstrating a broader, ongoing commitment to vehicle safety.

This confirms that authorities are taking vehicle fire risks seriously, even without a new federal mandate for all light cars.

Specifications, Best Practices, & Safety Rationale

Specifications: The UAE authorities recommend ABC dry powder extinguishers (1-2 kg) for electrical, liquid, and solid fires—common in vehicles. Alternatives include CO₂ or foam types.

Best practices: Secure mounting for accessibility—under the front seats, annual checks, and avoidance of trunk storage.

Rationale ties to environmental risks—temperatures hit 52°C in 2025, fueling campaigns like Safe Summer to prevent heat-induced fires.

Conclusion

Fire extinguishers are not explicitly mandatory in all the Emirates, except Abu Dhabi. However, equipping a fire extinguisher aligns with the UAE's safety ethos, potentially saving lives amid rising temperatures.

You should verify with local authorities (e.g., RTA for Dubai, Abu Dhabi Police) and consider insurance benefits. Stay updated and incorporate practical benefits rather than legal mandates to secure a stress-free vehicle ownership.

Don’t forget to share your fire extinguisher experiences, especially during yearly inspections to help out fellow readers—in the comments.

FAQs

1. How do I know if my car's fire extinguisher is still valid?

To know if your car’s fire extinguisher is still valid, check the following:

1. Pressure Gauge: The needle must be in the green zone.

2. Service Tag: Ensure the tag is hole-punched for the current year, indicating a recent check.

3. Physical Condition: Look for any signs of damage, such as dents, rust, or a broken pin.

4. Expiry Date: Fire extinguishers have a lifespan, typically needing professional servicing or replacement every 5-10 years.

2. Where can I buy a fire extinguisher for my car in the UAE?

You can buy a car-specific fire extinguisher at several locations:

• Supermarkets & Hypermarkets: Major chains like Carrefour often have them in their automotive section.

• Online Retailers: Websites like Noon.com and Amazon.ae offer a variety of options.

• Vehicle Testing Centers: RTA-approved centers (e.g., Tasjeel, Shamil) often sell extinguishers on-site, which is convenient if you are there for an inspection.

• Specialized Shops: Automotive parts and safety equipment stores are also good sources.

3. What is the correct way to use a fire extinguisher in a car?

The correct way to use a fire extinguisher in a car is to remember the simple acronym PASS:

• Pull the pin located at the top of the extinguisher.

• Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire, not the flames.

• Squeeze the handle to release the extinguishing agent.

• Sweep the nozzle from side to side until the fire is completely out.

Important: Use an extinguisher only on a small, contained fire. If the fire is spreading or if you feel unsafe, evacuate immediately and call emergency services.