How to Dispute a Traffic Fine in Dubai

Received a Dubai traffic fine and believe that you’re not in the wrong? Good news, both residents and visitors can dispute traffic fines in Dubai and escape hefty penalties for erroneous citations. How do you do it? Straightforward—meet eligibility criteria & challenge the issued traffic fine, following the correct process. This guide teaches you the right way to contest traffic fines with both Dubai Police and Dubai Road and Transport Authority (RTA), ensuring you meet deadlines and have the necessary evidence. Let’s dive in.

How to dispute a traffic fine in Dubai: Overview

• Step 1: Verify the Fine Details

• Step 2: Gather Supporting Evidence

• Step 3: Submit Your Dispute

• Step 4: Await Review

Traffic Fine Dispute: Know Eligibility Conditions

While the prospect of contesting a traffic fine in Dubai is reassuring, you should know that not every traffic fine in Dubai is disputable. You must meet certain eligibility conditions set by Dubai Police and the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).

Who Can Dispute a Traffic Fine?

Both UAE residents and visitors can dispute traffic fines in Dubai. Tourists can incur fines while driving rental cars. Everyone must meet the following eligibility conditions for disputing traffic fines in the Emirates:

Dubai Police Fines:

• Timely dispute submission: You must submit a dispute within 30 days from the fine issuance date. Missing the deadline makes the fine non-disputable.

• Fine Source: Dubai Police-issued.

• Valid Grounds for Dispute: You must have a legitimate reason for dispute with supporting evidence (dashcam footage, or CCTV footage) to prove the fine was issued in error. Some common reasons include:

• Mistaken identity (e.g., incorrect plate number).

• Faulty camera or radar equipment.

• Unclear or obstructed road signage.

• Being wrongly accused (e.g., another driver was at fault).

• Fine Status: The fine should remain unpaid until the dispute is submitted. Paying the fine usually implies acceptance.

RTA Fines:

• Fine Source: The fine must have been issued specifically by the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).

• Timely Dispute Submission: You must submit your dispute within 30 days from the fine issuance date. Missing this deadline makes the fine non-disputable.

• Valid Grounds for Dispute: You must have a legitimate reason for dispute with supporting evidence (e.g., dashcam footage, CCTV footage, witness statements) to prove the fine was issued in error. Common reasons include:

• Mistaken identity (e.g., incorrect plate number).

• Faulty camera or radar equipment.

• Unclear or obstructed road signage.

• Being wrongly accused (e.g., another driver was at fault).

• Fine Status: Unlike Dubai Police fines, RTA fines can be disputed even if already paid. If your dispute is successful, the RTA will process a refund.

Step-by-Step Process to Dispute a Traffic Fine

With a clear understanding of Dubai traffic fine dispute criteria and eligibility conditions, let's now proceed to the step-by-step process for disputing a fine.

Step 1: Verify the Fine Details

Check and verify your traffic fine details online by following these steps:

1. Visit Dubai Police website (www.dubaipolice.gov.ae) or RTA website (www.rta.ae).

2. Navigate to the Traffic Fines Inquiry section (Dubai Police) or Fine Inquiry and Payment section (RTA).

3. Enter your vehicle plate number, driver’s license number, or fine number.

4. Review the violation details, including date, time, location, and fine amount.

Step 2: Gather Supporting Evidence

Once the fine details are verified and you believe the fine was issued in error, gather the following supporting evidence:

1. Collect photos or videos (e.g., dashcam footage) showing the incident location, signage, or road conditions.

2. Obtain GPS logs or location history (e.g., from Google Maps) proving your vehicle’s location at the time of the violation.

3. Gather witness statements, if applicable, to support your claim.

4. Include Emirates ID (for residents) or passport details (for visitors).

5. Attach the traffic violation notice, driving license, and vehicle registration.

Step 3: Submit Your Dispute

After gathering the required evidence, you can dispute the fine with Dubai Police or Dubai RTA, using any of the following methods:

Dubai Police:

Online: 

1. Go to Dubai Public Prosecution portal (www.dxbpp.gov.ae).

2. Create an account & log in.

3. Fill the dispute form with fine details and evidence (e.g., photos, GPS logs).

4. Submit the claim.

Note: File in Arabic.  Use a legal translator if needed for Arabic submissions. Call +971-4-606-3555 for guidance if needed, but submit a written dispute online or in person.

In-Person: 

1. Visit the General Directorate of Traffic in Al Barsha or any Dubai Police station with:

• Emirates ID or passport

• Traffic violation notice

• Driving license

• Vehicle registration, and

• Supporting Evidence.

2. Request a dispute form at the traffic department counter.

3. Complete the form in Arabic, providing fine details and reasons for the dispute.

4. Submit the form and evidence to the officer.

5. Obtain a confirmation receipt or reference number for your dispute.

Note: File in Arabic. Use a legal translator if needed for Arabic submissions.

Dubai RTA:

Online: 

1. Go to www.rta.ae.

2. Navigate to the Fine Inquiry and Payment section.

3. Enter your vehicle plate number, driver’s license number, or fine number to locate the fine.

4. Select the option to dispute the fine.

5. Complete the online dispute form with violation details and reasons for contesting.

6. Upload supporting evidence (e.g., photos, dashcam footage, GPS logs).

7. Submit the form.

Note: the confirmation number or reference is provided upon submission via SMS.

In-Person: 

1. Visit an RTA customer service center (e.g., Deira, Al Barsha, or Umm Ramool) with:

1. Bring your Emirates ID (residents) or passport (visitors)

2. Traffic violation notice

3. Driving license

4. Vehicle registration, and 

5. Supporting evidence (e.g., photos, dashcam footage, GPS logs).

2. Request a fine dispute form at the customer service counter.

3. Complete the form with violation details and reasons for contesting.

4. Submit the form and evidence to the RTA officer.

5. Obtain a confirmation receipt or reference number for your dispute.

Step 4: Await Review

After submitting your dispute, you will need to await review from the relevant authorities. The review period can vary.

A committee reviews and passes the final verdict within 5-10 days for Dubai Police. If approved, authorities will cancel your fine & discard the fine details. If rejected, you have the right to escalate to the Traffic Prosecution Department (fee required, refundable if successful).

For RTA Dubai, fines will be canceled or refunded if already paid if found not guilty. Unlike Dubai Police, this is the final verdict.

Tips for Success

Having learned the crucial steps for traffic fine disputes in Dubai, let’s explore some insightful tips that have helped me make successful claims in the past.

• Understand the dispute eligibility conditions and criteria well before you begin to act on it.

• Make sure you dispute your traffic fines as soon as possible—within 30 days is mandatory.

• Gather clear evidence like dashcam footage, CCTV footage, or GPS data to support your claim.

• Ensure Arabic submissions for Dubai Police disputes. Seek legal help for translation if necessary (visitors & expats).

• Regularly check your traffic fine details on official platforms like RTA and Dubai Police.

• Leverage these contact Information:

• Dubai Police: +971-4-606-3555 or www.dubaipolice.gov.ae

• RTA: 800-9090 or www.rta.ae

Conclusion

Residents and visitors in Dubai have the right to contest traffic fines by following the proper steps and providing factual supporting evidence. This guide aims to equip you with the precise knowledge and steps needed for a seamless dispute experience. Assert your rights and proactively resolve any unjustified fines. Always utilize official platforms to stay updated and avoid erroneous traffic penalties.