Can I Smoke in a Rental Car in Dubai

Are you planning to rent a car in Dubai and wondering if you can smoke in it? Whether you’re a smoker or a non-smoker, seeking an odorless vehicle, knowing the rental car smoking policies is mandatory. They help you make informed decisions and avoid hefty fines and unexpected charges. This blog answers whether you can smoke in a rental car in Dubai or not, covering Dubai’s specific smoking regulations and what they mean for your rental agreement.

Dubai’s Smoking Laws: You Need to Know

Dubai has strict regulations regarding smoking, with mandatory no-smoking policies enforced in public transport, such as taxis, buses, and metros. While you can smoke in your private car, smoking with a child under 12 present is illegal. If caught, you’ll be fined AED 500. Similarly, vaping (e-cigarettes) is also prohibited in restricted zones, like school areas, hospitals, and public transport will lead to a hefty AED 2,000 fine.

Public smoking in Dubai is limited to specific zones, indicated by designated cans designed for putting out cigarettes. Airports and Malls have outdoor cabins or designated rooms with proper arrangements. Littering public areas with cigarette butts will lead to fines ranging from AED 500 to AED 1000. Smoking in Dubai is a bit different from many Western cities, with more confined areas, stricter policies, and steep fines.

Rental Car Smoking Policies in Dubai

Typically, Dubai rental agencies have strict no-smoking policies inside their vehicles. They prioritize odorless interiors, which cigarettes, vapes, and other smoking devices can ruin. Cigarettes not only leave foul odor for non-smokers, they also potentially damage the integrity of the vehicle interior. A clean and fresh-scented vehicle is not possible with in-car smoking. This is why the top Dubai car rental agencies have a strict-no smoking policy. These policies are almost universally applied across the industry in Dubai, often explicitly detailed in the rental agreement.

Take a look at these smoking policies from some prominent car rental companies in Dubai:

• FriendsCarRental: Smoking incurs a cleaning fee of AED 500–1,000. FriendsCarRental offers a pre-rental checklist to note any prior smoke damage. It’s beneficial for renters.

• Europcar: A strict no-smoking policy applies, with a standard cleaning fee of AED 600. Repeated violations may lead to rental restrictions with the agency.

• Avis: Smoking is not allowed. A minimum cleaning fee of AED 700. Avis may also charge for additional downtime (making it unavailable for others) if the car needs extensive deodorizing.

• Hertz: No smoking in all Hertz cars. A cleaning fee of AED 550–1,100, depending on the extent of cleaning required.

• Budget: Smoking is banned across their fleet. Cleaning fees range from AED 500–1,500. Budget emphasizes pre-rental inspections to document any existing odors.

A handful of local agencies might have lenient smoking policies inside their rental cars. However, this leniency comes with extra costs and higher cleaning fees. It is similar to penalties at international rental agencies, but with consent. Dubai rental car smoking policies can vary and entirely depend on the agency.

Tips for Smokers Renting Cars in Dubai

If you’re an active smoker, these tips will come in handy in staying compliant and avoiding extra costs:

• Inquire about different policies, like fuel policies, late returns, and in-vehicle smoking policies before signing the rental document. If you are a chain smoker, you should go with a local agency with lenient smoking policies. Pay for the freedom. Else, adhere to rental car policies strictly.

• Do not smoke in the car at all costs. Smoke can easily penetrate fabrics, leaving smoky odor. Rolling the windows down doesn’t work. A rental car agent will effortlessly detect this, triggering cleaning fees.

• If you need to smoke, park your rental car, step out and smoke in designated areas, where you can safely put away the cigarette butts. Parking lots or smoking zones at restaurants and malls are ideal places.

• Even if you smoke outside the car, don’t litter cigarette butts. This will lead to fines. If possible carry a portable ashtray with lead to collect the butts and dispose of them in a designated spot.

• Inspect the car of any existing stains or damages due to smoke. Document them in time-stamped photos or videos. Let the rental agent know of the existing status of the car, avoiding future conflicts.

Tips for Non-Smokers Renting Cars in Dubai

If you’re a non-smoker, you’ll generally have fewer concerns regarding smoking policies when renting a car in Dubai. However, you might specifically seek an odorless car, free from any lingering smoky smells. In this case, you should:

• Explicitly request for a smoke-free car at the time of booking. As most rental companies have no-smoking policies, you will most probably get one. However, it’s not always a guarantee.

• Inspect the car well before taking the keys. Check air vents, seats, glove compartments, and carpets for lingering cigarette smells. If you find any issues, request for change of vehicle. Take the keys only if you’re satisfied with the car. It will also help you avoid unnecessary future conflicts regarding the liability for prior damage.

• Document everything from the exterior to the interior in photos and videos. Rental agencies cannot scam you for existing damages with these proofs.

What to Do if You’re Charged with a Smoking-Related Cleaning Fee

Sometimes rental agencies can get things wrong or intentionally charge you smoking-related fees, even when you clearly didn’t smoke in the car. This is a possibility even for non-smoking car renters. In such situations, you must:

• Provide them with the necessary photo and video proofs that you captured before taking the keys. If your photos and videos clearly show the pre-existing damages they are claiming you are liable for, you can easily get out of this situation.

• If the situation escalates, you should file a complaint with Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) via their consumer protection portal. They will mediate your dispute between you and the rental agency.

• If the dispute doesn’t resolve with the above methods, consulting an attorney specializing in consumer law in Dubai might be a necessary last resort.

Cultural Considerations for Smoking in Dubai

Dubai continuously leaps towards modernization, but it keeps its cultural integrity intact and mandates strict adherence from its residents and visitors alike. This emirate’s conservative culture views smoking in non-designated public places like school zones as less acceptable than most of the developed Western countries and cities.

Respecting the social norms and values is paramount while traveling in Dubai. Beyond the legal restrictions, it's considered impolite and disrespectful to smoke near family-oriented places like parks, schools, mosques, or children's play areas. Furthermore, smoking publicly during the holy month of Ramadan, even in designated areas during fasting hours, is strictly prohibited and punishable by law. Always ensure you smoke only in clearly specified places, demonstrating respect for local customs, others' health, and their convenience.

Final Thoughts

In summary, Dubai’s car rental agencies almost universally prohibit smoking in their rental cars. Their no smoking policies come  with cleaning fees strictly ranging from AED 500 to AED 1,000. Smoking inside the rental is a violation of the rental agreement, which can lead to immediate termination of the rental contract. However, some local agencies might offer lenient policies for additional charges, often higher than normal cleaning fees.

Beyond car rental rules, Dubai is a culturally conservative emirate with strict regulations when it comes to public smoking. You must be aware of where and when to smoke when traveling in Dubai. Else, violating these laws, especially during sensitive times like Ramadan, carries very steep consequences.

Our final recommendation: Do not smoke inside rental cars. Follow this simple rule and avoid unnecessary troubles and stress post-rental. Keep yourself away from unexpected surcharges and enjoy a seamless car rental experience in Dubai.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you smoke in a rental car in Dubai?

No, you cannot legally smoke in a rental car in Dubai. It is almost universal with Dubai car rental agencies. However, some local agencies can come with lenient smoking policies.

Does Dubai's "no smoking in rental cars" policy also apply to vaping or e-cigarettes?

Yes, the no smoking in rental cars policy applies to all smoke related activities, including vaping or e-cigarettes, as they leave a lingering smell in the car.

What is the typical cleaning fee if I'm caught smoking in a rental car in Dubai?

The typical cleaning fee for smoking in a rental car in Dubai can range from AED 500 to AED 1,500, depending on the level of damage, smell, and the rental agency’s policy strictness.

Are there specific places where public smoking is prohibited in Dubai, even outside a rental car?

Yes, there are several public places that prohibit smoking, such as near family-oriented places like parks, schools, mosques, and anywhere public during the holy month of Ramadan.