Renting a car within the UAE can be an easy choice for both residents and vacationers. However, it is very important to know how rental car fines are handled in the UAE. UAE traffic laws are designed to ensure road safety and compliance, making it extremely important for renters to be aware of their obligations regarding violations. In today’s article, we will inform you about Rental Car Fines UAE.
Are Traffic Fines Applicable to Rental Cars in the UAE?
Correct, fines related to traffic rules can apply to car rental services, and in most cases, the renter is the one responsible for those fines. Fines arise from offenses such as exceeding the speed limit, obstructing other vehicles, and other violations of traffic laws.
These are usually seen by police or pre-installed speed cameras in the area. The amount must be paid according to the nature of the violation that was committed. Such as a few hundred dirhams for minor offenses and a fine of more than AED 3,000 for extreme offenses such as dangerous driving.
Accumulated violations can also result in black points on the renter’s driving license. These violations can affect their car’s driving record. In some cases, their driving license may be suspended or revoked entirely.
How Are Traffic Fines Communicated to Renters?
Rental car rental fees are reported in advance to the rental company. The company then notifies the tenant of the penalty. It may also deduct the amount from the deposit, or charge the credit card provided in the rental agreement.
If you want to check the penalty on your own, you can use the following methods:
- Dubai Police App: Ideal for recording violations in Dubai.
- TAMM App or Ministry of Interior App: Valid for Abu Dhabi and other emirates.
- Call Center Services: You can also contact the integrated call center at 901 for Dubai or 8005000 for Abu Dhabi.
Ignoring penalties can have serious consequences, including additional penalties, civil lawsuits, and even legal action by the leasing company.
Key Traffic Rules to Avoid Fines in the UAE
To avoid penalties, it is important to comply with traffic rules and regulations. For this purpose, the following rules are noteworthy:
- Driving License Requirement: Residents should possess a local driving license from the UAE while tourists are required to present both an international driving license and a valid visa.
- Minimum Age Requirement: Drivers are allowed to rent a vehicle from the age of 18. However, there are car rental companies who have set the minimum rental age to be 21 years and above.
- Salik Charges: The Digital Toll Systems in Dubai is also known as Salik. Any Salik charges incurred during the period you rented the vehicle, will be added to your billing statement at the end of your stay.
- Driving Etiquette: The UAE enforces that all vehicles should be driven on the right-hand side of the road and all overtaking should be done on the left-hand side of the vehicle being overtaken.
- Use of Seat Belts: All individuals in the vehicle including the driver are required to fasten seat belts.
- Child Safety: Front seat placements for children aged less than 13 years are not allowed, and toddlers are to be restrained in specific infant car seats.
- Use of Mobile Phones: The use of mobile phones while operating a motor vehicle is strictly prohibited.
- Speed Limits: Highway and partitioned way speed limits must be adhered to, otherwise heavy fines are imposed.
- No Drinking and Driving: Operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol is a serious offense that can attract jail terms and possibly deportation.
Traffic Violations in Rental Cars
It is very easy to pay traffic fines in the United Arab Emirates as it can be done on a few digital platforms:
- Ministry of Interior Website: Go to the website, click on the traffic violation pay charges option, and do the transaction using a bank card.
- TAMM Platform: Open the TAMM App, click on the traffic fine payment section, and pay the fines through the app.
- Emirates Vehicle Gate (EVG): You can also view fines and pay them via this system fairly safely.
These systems make it easier for both citizens and tourists to undertake such transactions.
FAQs – Rental Car Fines UAE
If you think a traffic offense ticket was wrongfully given, the About sections outline how the law in the UAE allows one to challenge traffic violations.
Some emirates, like Dubai and Abu Dhabi, periodically offer discount schemes for traffic fines to promote compliance. Check with local authorities or the police app for announcements. Certain fines can also be waived through successful appeals if you can prove the fine was issued in error.
The speed limit for all vehicles, including rental cars, varies depending on the road type. On highways, the limit ranges between 100-120 km/h, while urban roads usually have limits of 60-80 km/h. Always check the posted signs to avoid fines.
Traffic fines in the UAE range from 200 AED for minor violations, such as illegal parking, to more than 3,000 AED for more serious violations, such as reckless driving, etc. Some violations can result in black points or even vehicle impoundment.
Failure to pay traffic fines can result in additional penalties, legal action, or suspension of your driving license. For rental cars, agencies may charge fines directly to your credit card or take legal action to recover unpaid dues.
Conclusion
Using a rental car in the United Arab Emirates entails a comprehension and respect of the traffic laws of the country. However, it is possible to have a pleasant experience by following the traffic rules, settling any fines on time, and driving within the recommended limits. Be it a citizen or a foreigner, learning the process of dealing with traffic infractions on leased vehicles makes the trip more bearable and less stressful.