Drivers in Dubai may face vehicle impoundment and hefty release fees in addition to fines and black points. Under the emirate’s regulations, release fees for some offences can reach Dh100,000 and may rise to Dh200,000 if the vehicle is impounded again within one year.

Under Dubai Decree No. 30 of 2023, which amended previous vehicle impoundment regulations, certain serious traffic offences carry mandatory impoundment, with release fees varying according to the offence.

Dh100,000 release fee

Participating in road races without a permit from Dubai Police carries a Dh100,000 release fee.

Dh50,000 release fee

Running a red light, driving dangerously and endangering others, driving while under the age of 18, using fake or altered number plates, deliberately colliding with a police vehicle, and riding recreational motorcycles on paved roads are among the offences carrying a Dh50,000 release fee.

Dh10,000 release fee

Major vehicle modifications that increase speed or cause excessive noise, evading police, driving without number plates, performing dangerous stunts, gathering to watch road races, and using window tinting beyond the permitted limit carry a Dh10,000 release fee.

Police may also impound a vehicle if its outstanding fines exceed Dh6,000. The fines must be settled before the vehicle can be released.

In cases of discretionary impoundment, the owner must complete the prescribed impoundment period or, with police approval, pay an early-release fee. Any outstanding fines must also be settled and the violation rectified.

If the owner fails to collect the vehicle after the impoundment period ends, an additional fee of Dh50 will be charged for each day of delay.

If a vehicle is impounded again within one year of the previous offence, the discretionary impoundment period may be doubled to a maximum of 90 days. Release fees for offences covered by these rules will also be doubled but may not exceed Dh200,000.

The regulations also provide for the administrative deportation of non-Emirati heavy-vehicle drivers who run red lights.

Dubai Police said 7,735 fines were issued and 1,630 vehicles were impounded for excessive noise and unauthorised modifications during the first nine months of 2026.