Abu Dhabi’s roads are closely monitored with advanced traffic cameras that track violations like speeding, tailgating, phone use, and red-light running. Each offense comes with a fine, and some also add black points to your driving record.
How the Black Points System Works
In the UAE, drivers can accumulate up to 24 black points before facing serious penalties. If you reach 24 points, your license can be suspended. For a first-time offense, the suspension lasts three months, but repeat offenders may face longer bans.
If you want to keep your driving privileges, it’s best to stay within the limit and avoid risky behavior on the road. Here’s a breakdown of common traffic violations, arranged by black points and fine amounts, from least to most severe.
1. Expired Vehicle Registration
Radars can scan your license plate and detect if your registration is out of date. If it’s more than three months expired, your car gets impounded for 7 days.
Fine: AED 500
Black Points: 4
2. Not Wearing a Seat Belt
AI-powered cameras can spot both drivers and passengers without seat belts.
Fine: AED 400
Black Points: 4
3. Using a Phone While Driving
Advanced AI cameras can detect if you’re texting, calling, or even glancing at your phone while driving.
Fine: AED 800
Black Points: 4
4. Swerving and Sudden Lane Changes
Dangerous lane switching, especially at intersections, is tracked by radars, and reckless drivers get fined automatically.
Fine: AED 1,000
Black Points: 4
5. Not Stopping for Pedestrians
If someone is waiting at a pedestrian crossing, you must stop. Cameras installed at crossings will catch those who don’t.
Fine: AED 500
Black Points: 6
6. Ignoring a School Bus Stop Sign
School buses have cameras that detect drivers who don’t stop when the side-mounted stop sign is extended.
Fine: AED 1,000
Black Points: 10
7. Running a Red Light
Infrared cameras snap red-light runners without a flash, so no one sees it coming – except the traffic authorities.
Fine: AED 1,000
Black Points: 12
Car Impound: 3 months (AED 50,000 release fee)
8. Loud Exhausts and Noisy Driving
Live in a quiet neighborhood? So do traffic noise radars. If your engine roars louder than 95 decibels, expect a fine.
Fine: AED 2,000
Black Points: 12
9. Tailgating
Driving too close to the car ahead? Special radars measure the gap and fine those who don’t keep a safe distance.
Fine: AED 5,400
Black Points: 4
10. Speeding
Abu Dhabi removed the 20km/h speed buffer in 2018. That means even going 1km/h over the limit can trigger a fine.
Fine: AED 300 to AED 3,000 (depending on how much you exceed the limit)
Black Points: up to 23
Car Impound: possible for excessive speeding
Abu Dhabi’s traffic laws are strict for a reason — safety. Every fine and black point is meant to discourage reckless driving. Avoid penalties by following the rules, staying alert, and keeping your black points in check. If you reach 24 points, your license could be suspended, so it’s best to drive carefully and avoid unnecessary risks.
