Dubai Police issue nearly 49,000 fines to motorists driving vehicles with expired registration

The Dubai Police have issued 48,950 traffic fines over the past ten months for driving vehicles with expired registrations, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen traffic discipline and ensure compliance with legal and technical requirements that protect vehicles and road users.

Brigadier Juma Salem Bin Suwaidan, Director of the General Department of Traffic at Dubai Police, explained that the consequences of driving with an expired registration extend beyond fines and legal action.

The practice can put drivers and other road users at risk, particularly when periodic technical inspections are neglected. These inspections are essential for identifying mechanical faults and technical issues that could compromise a vehicle’s performance and safety.

He noted that failing to renew a vehicle’s registration often means it remains in use without checks on critical components, including tyres, brakes, lights, and steering systems. This increases the risk of sudden mechanical failures that could lead to traffic accidents. If an accident occurs after the vehicle’s insurance has expired, the owner may also face significant financial and legal liabilities.

Under current traffic laws, driving a vehicle with an expired registration carries a fine of Dhs500, four traffic points, and vehicle impoundment for seven days. Brigadier Bin Suwaidan stressed the importance of renewing registrations on time and meeting all licensing, insurance, and technical inspection requirements, both to avoid legal consequences and to protect road users.

Providing a breakdown of violations recorded over the ten-month period, he said January had the highest number at 6,977, followed by February with 6,768 and March with 6,573. July ranked fourth with 6,404 violations, followed by June with 4,965, August with 4,859, September with 4,763, October with 4,056, and April with 2,601. May recorded the lowest number, at 984.

He urged vehicle owners to settle their traffic fines promptly rather than allow them to accumulate. He also encouraged them to use the smart services offered by Dubai Police and the relevant authorities to check and pay fines and complete registration renewals, helping them avoid additional penalties and legal action resulting from delays.

Brigadier Bin Suwaidan further emphasised the need to monitor vehicle registration and insurance expiry dates, complete technical inspections on time, and ensure vehicles remain roadworthy. He said these steps go beyond fulfilling legal obligations: they demonstrate awareness and responsibility for protecting lives and property, while helping reduce traffic accidents and improve road safety across Dubai.