
Can you really get a fine for having a dirty car in Abu Dhabi?
The short answer is yes, you can. In the capital, leaving your car covered in excessive dirt for too long could land you with a fine – so maybe it's time to give your wheels a wash.
While a little dusting won't get you in any trouble, the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) isn't playing around when it comes to keeping the city's streets looking sharp.
Under Law No. 2 of 2012, vehicles that are left abandoned or excessively dirty are considered a blight on the cityscape and owners can be slapped with penalties.
Here's the breakdown:
Clause No. 62 – Leaving a vehicle dirty in a public place and ruining the city's pristine look? That's a Dhs500 fine for the first offence. Get caught again and it's Dhs1,000. A third violation? Dhs2,000. So, unless you fancy paying for a high-end car wash in fines, it's best to keep your ride sparkling.
Clause No. 63 – If you've got a car body or frame abandoned in a public spot, that's an even bigger problem. The fines start at Dhs1,000, jump to Dhs2,000 for the second offence, and hit Dhs4,000 if you keep ignoring the warnings.
Moral of the story? Whether you drive a flashy sports car or a humble hatchback, keeping it clean isn't just about aesthetics. So, grab a sponge or hit the car wash before your extra dusty ride gets you into trouble.
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