- Contest a Traffic fine in UAE
- Disputed Traffic Fine Complaint Process
- Approaching the Public Prosecutor
Have you ended up with a traffic fine which simply shouldn’t have appeared on your driving record? While the UAE has an extremely efficient traffic management system, sometimes, you can become a victim of a faulty machine or some other miscommunication which can lead to incorrect penalties being associated with your driving history. If you genuinely feel there’s an error or your parking ticket is unfair, there is a simple method to contest a traffic fine in the UAE.
Process to contest a traffic fine in the UAE
Governmental systems in the UAE are extremely efficient. Furthermore, relevant transport authorities have implemented traffic fines to ensure the safety of motorists and commuters across the country. While transport department operations are run by a well-trained and diligent workforce with state-of-the-art technology at their disposal, there are times when an error can be made. It could be a simple human oversight or a machine malfunction.
If you strongly believe that the traffic fine has been handed out as a misunderstanding, you can raise a formal request to investigate the fines registered on your vehicle and/or your license. Bear in mind though, that you will need to produce sufficient proof to show that the violation was not committed by you. So make sure to check the photograph of the number plate which is usually available on the websites to check traffic fines, and let the relevant authorities know if this is incorrect.
Methods to Contest Traffic Fine in the UAE
To contest a traffic fine in Dubai, you have quite a few options. If you’re the driver, visit the General Directorate of Traffic headquarters and request to file a complaint.
Alternatively, complaints can also be made by calling +971-4-606-3555. However, one would still have to submit the proof in person or online.
Online contesting options include visiting the official Dubai Police website, the official RTA Website or the Ministry of Interior (MOI) Website. These websites ask you to fill in the relevant details such as the fine number, your vehicle number, etc.
To contest traffic fines in Abu Dhabi, residents of the capital city can visit the official Abu Dhabi Police Website or the MOI Website. A similar dispute traffic fine process is followed in other emirates as well.
Please note that the residents in all seven emirates can use the MOI website portal.
Disputed Traffic Fine Complaint Process
Once a complaint is lodged, a special committee has been set up to evaluate each case. This committee includes:
- Six government officials
- Two traffic control officers
- Deputy general at the traffic department
- A Financial Supervisory General Headquarters of Dubai Police representative
- A fines officer
- A Legal Affairs representative
Usually, the committee will make a decision in five working days. If the decision is in your favour, naturally, the fine would be waived off. On the other hand, if the outcome is not what you had expected, you have the chance to approach the Traffic Prosecution department, who will be able to guide you on the next steps to escalate the issue.
Approaching the Public Prosecutor
If you firmly believe you’re not the one at fault, there is an option to approach the Traffic Prosecution. This means you will have to attain permission from the Public Prosecutor to allow your case to be transferred to a court for a small fee (AED 20). Once this process is completed, the court will assign a date when you can proceed to present your evidence, before they pronounce a verdict. All requests in this regard can be made on the official government portal. But remember that the court’s verdict will be final.
Sometimes, you can get a fine because you are simply unaware of the laws. So, make sure you know the latest UAE traffic laws and are well-informed to ensure the safety and security of the public. For example, there were small changes in traffic laws in Abu Dhabi at the start of the year 2020. The traffic fine list in Dubai is also updated from time to time.
Hence, it is vital to stay ahead of the game and keep yourself updated about any changes. Being aware would save you a lot of hassle and potentially a financial hit as well. Moreover, one has to keep an eye on any unpaid fines. You can check traffic fines in Sharjah, Abu Dhabi or Dubai online as well.
Visit MyBayut to read all traffic laws in the UAE and a lot more.
