All the fines, rules and laws announced in Abu Dhabi so far in 2025

Time Out Abu Dhabi

2 days ago

Abu Dhabi has stepped into 2025 with a fresh set of rules designed to make the city safer, cleaner and, let's be honest, a whole lot more organised.
Whether you're driving, hanging out laundry, planting a garden, or promoting your next big event, there are now clear guidelines to follow – and some attractive perks if you do things right.
Think of it less as 'don't do this' and more as 'here's how we keep our city looking and running its best'. From smarter road safety measures to green initiatives, here's the friendly, no-nonsense guide to what's new.
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.
New flyer fines
Thinking of sticking your event poster on a lamppost or sliding flyers under windscreen wipers? Best not. Abu Dhabi has just outlawed unauthorised flyer distribution – and yes, the fines are real.
Whether you're promoting a garage sale or the gig of the year, you now need explicit permission from the authorities before papering public spaces. Under Clause No. 56 of Law No. 2 of 2012, any printed material slapped onto poles, walls, or vehicles without a green light could cost you:
Dhs1,000 for the first offence
Dhs2,000 if you do it again
Dhs4,000 for a third strike (and any after that)
Abu Dhabi Municipality is rolling out a public awareness campaign, so the message is loud and clear: get the proper permits or get fined. Keep it clean, keep it classy – and keep your promo off people's windshields.
New rooftop satellite fines
Rooftop starting to look like a satellite dish graveyard? You could be in trouble. Abu Dhabi's new fine targets messy, unregulated dish installations – and it's not just about the aesthetics.
Under Clause No. 61 of Law No. 2 of 2012, satellite dishes must follow strict standards set by building owners or authorised reps. That means no dish clusters, no spaghetti cabling and absolutely no balcony DIY setups.
Here's the fine breakdown:
Dhs1,000 for your first violation
Dhs2,000 for round two
Dhs4,000 if it happens again
The DMT says this move aims to declutter rooftops, boost safety and keep the skyline spick and span. So before you mount that second dish for your secret K-drama binge, double-check if it's allowed – or pay up.
Fine for damaging native trees
Abu Dhabi has spoken: don't mess with the trees.
The emirate has introduced a Dhs10,000 fine for anyone who damages or removes three of the UAE's most iconic indigenous trees – Al Ghaf, Al Samar and Al Sidr. These beauties are more than just pretty foliage; they're ecological heroes that support biodiversity, shelter wildlife and embody the UAE's natural heritage.
Now officially coded and numbered by the authorities, these trees are tracked by law. So whether you're a gardener, landscaper, or just tempted to give your backyard a makeover, make sure none of these protected species are in your path.
This is all part of Abu Dhabi's bigger eco-picture – one that previously saw fines of up to Dhs1 million for major environmental violations. So save the trees (and your bank account) and leave the pruning to the pros.
Fine for blocking the road after a minor crash
Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Had a bumper-to-bumper moment? Don't just sit there – move along or pay the price. Abu Dhabi Police is cracking down on drivers who fail to shift to a safe spot after minor accidents, warning that staying put could land you a Dhs1,000 fine and six black points.
And yes, there's an app for that. The Saed app lets you report non-injury incidents in just five minutes:
Tap 'Report an Accident'
Enter your mobile number
Upload your driver's licence, car registration and clear photos of the damage
Hit submit and get your accident report sent straight to WhatsApp
The new rule is all about keeping traffic flowing and roads safer. No injuries? No excuses. Use the app, skip the traffic jam and avoid that hefty fine.
The minimum speed limit on E311? Gone
If you've ever nervously watched your speedometer creeping below 120kmph on Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Road, take a deep breath – Abu Dhabi Police have officially scrapped the minimum speed limit on this major motorway.
First introduced last year with a Dhs400 fine for dawdlers, the rule is now a thing of the past. The aim? To make the road safer and more accessible, especially for heavy vehicles and drivers who don't fancy treating every commute like a race. You'll still need to obey the maximum speed, though – so don't get too comfy.
Two major roads are slowing down
On April 14, two of the capital's busiest highways got a speed limit trim – so if you haven't already adjusted your driving habits, now's the time.
Here's the new speed breakdown:
Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed International Road (E11): Down from 160kmph to 140kmph
Abu Dhabi – Sweihan Road (E20): Down from 120kmph to 100kmph
The changes are part of a wider push to improve road safety and reduce serious accidents across the emirate. So whether you're dashing to brunch or heading out for a desert drive, keep an eye on those speed signs.
New rules for laundry day
Hanging your socks out on the balcony? Abu Dhabi says no.
New municipal regulations from the Department of Municipalities and Transport mean drying clothes or airing rugs on balconies or windows facing public roads is now banned. It's all about keeping the capital neat and tidy – and keeping the pavements clear of runaway pillowcases.
Here's what the new rules say:
Clause 12: No drying racks on windows or balconies that face public roads.
Clause 15: No shaking out carpets, curtains or covers from those same balconies.
And here's what it'll cost you:
First offence: Dhs500
Second offence: Dhs1,000
Third offence: Dhs2,000
So, unless you fancy paying the price, it's time to move your drying routine indoors.
New traffic laws
The new UAE traffic laws came into force on March 29, so if you need a refresher – you're welcome.
Teens can now get their licence at 17
Big news for budding drivers: under Federal Decree-Law No. 14 of 2024, the minimum driving age has been lowered to 17.
That's right – teens can now get behind the wheel a year earlier than before, provided they pass a medical check and a driving test set by the Licensing Authority. There are also extra conditions for different licence categories, but for many, this change is a fast track to the freedom of the road.
And the penalties? They've just got tougher
Driving without a valid licence? Expect fines – and possibly jail time.
The new law also outlines harsher punishments for hit-and-run incidents, reckless driving and driving under the influence. Here's what's at stake:
Hit-and-run causing injury: Up to two years in jail and fines of up to Dhs100,000
Driving under the influence: Automatic arrest, fines and potential jail time
Driving without a valid licence or in the wrong category: Up to three months in jail or fines up to Dhs50,000 (for repeat offenders, that could jump to Dhs100,000)
So if you haven't checked your documents lately, now's the time to do it.
New fines for improper waste
In an effort to keep the city gleaming (and to stop random mini-lagoons from popping up on the pavement), the Abu Dhabi City Municipality has introduced a new round of fines aimed at stopping the improper disposal of liquid waste.
The breakdown is simple, and pricey. Under Clause No. 35 of Law No. 2 of 2012:
First-time offenders will be fined Dhs1,000
Second-time rule-breakers will be hit with Dhs2,000
Repeat offenders? That'll be Dhs4,000
The crackdown covers everything from dumping wastewater in public to letting your AC drain all over the pavement.
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