New fines and ways to pay in Abu Dhabi: All the recent rules
But don't panic – we've rounded up the latest laws, limits and updates (breathe, some are optimistic) so you don't end up forking out your entire year's rent—or more—after one moment of breaking the rules.
Here's your no-fuss, full-drama rundown of what's new (and what could cost you a fortune) on the streets of the capital.
Run a red light? That'll be Dh50,000
Abu Dhabi has had enough of drivers playing around at intersections. The government has reminded drivers who run a red light that they could be waving goodbye to more than their no-claims bonus.
Under Law No. 5 of 2020, you'll get:
A Dh50,000 fine
30-day vehicle impoundment
12 black points
And if your car isn't claimed in 3 months it will be sent to auction
Throw in jail time if the violation causes a fatal accident – especially if you were texting, racing, or just driving recklessly.
Time Out Tip: Amber means slow down, not floor it.
Hit and run? That'll be Dh100,000
New UAE-wide traffic laws just dropped – and they are not playing around. If you're in an accident and think you can just scoot off quietly? Think again.
Drivers now have just three hours to report an accident (big or small). Fail to do that and you're looking at:
Up to one year in jail
A fine of Dh50,000 to Dh100,000
Or both
And no, you can't just roll into your neighbourhood garage – you need an official repair permit first.
Valid excuses include actual injury or no mobile signal, but you'll need receipts (i.e. medical reports and witness statements).
You can now pay fines early and save
Good news for the mildly irresponsible among us: Abu Dhabi Police are now rewarding early birds with a 35 percent discount on traffic fines if you pay within 60 days.
If you miss that you can still snag 25 percent off if you settle within a year. And yes, there are digital payment options, instalment plans and app-based solutions – so no, you don't need to queue anywhere.
If you've spotted the campaign on petrol station screens recently, that's Abu Dhabi Police giving you a gentle nudge while you refill your tank and regret yesterday's U-turn.
TAMM app now accepts appeals for certain fines
Abu Dhabi's fines don't stop at the highway. If you've been pinged for improper waste disposal, dodgy landscaping, or letting your villa look like a haunted house – you can now appeal directly through the Tamm app.
Here's the deal:
You have one week to appeal
It's free, fast and paperless
You'll need to prove you fixed the issue
Inspectors will check if you're bluffing. If you are? That fine could double
So, stay in your lane – literally and legally. Abu Dhabi is all about smart cities, safer roads and way less nonsense. So whether you're in a Bentley or a battered Yaris, the rules are the same: report it, pay it, or fix it – or risk your car becoming government property.
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