Got your vehicle impounded? UAE’s smart system lets you park at home
Available across the country with specific application methods for each emirate
DUBAI: Motorists facing vehicle impoundment in Dubai now have an easier alternative to traditional impound yards.
The ‘Smart Impound’ service, offered by Dubai Police, allows vehicle owners to keep their impounded cars at a preferred location, such as their home, while authorities monitor it remotely.
This system is designed to ensure compliance with impoundment regulations while providing convenience to vehicle owners.
How it works
Dubai Police install a GPS-enabled device in the impounded vehicle, which remains linked to the Operations Department. Any unauthorised movement triggers an alert, ensuring that the vehicle stays in the designated location.
The tracking system allows real-time monitoring, preventing violations of the impoundment conditions.
If your vehicle is subject to impoundment, you can use the Smart Impound Service on the Dubai Police app to keep it at a location of your choice, such as your home. A smart device will be installed and connected to the Operations Department.#DPServices pic.twitter.com/W1qeEkw1xk
— Dubai Policeشرطة دبي (@DubaiPoliceHQ) January 24, 2025
The Smart Impound system ensures that impounded vehicles remain in place unless movement is authorised. If the car is moved without approval, authorities will be notified, and further penalties may apply.
Steps to apply
Motorists can request the service through the Dubai Police app or website by following these steps:
- Open the Dubai Police app: Available on Apple, Android, and Huawei devices.
- Navigate to Smart Impound service: Go to ‘Services’, select ‘Traffic Services’, and tap on ‘Smart Impound’.
- Enter vehicle details: Provide a licence number, plate number, traffic file number, or traffic fine number.
- Complete the application: Fill out the required details and settle outstanding fines.
- Pay service fees: Standard charges include Dh400, a Dh20 knowledge and innovation fee, and Dh100 per month for extended impoundment.
- Device installation: Visit the General Department of Traffic for installation.
- Device removal: Once the impoundment period is complete, return to have the device removed.
Cost and processing time
The standard service fee is Dh400, with an additional Dh20 knowledge and innovation fee. If the impoundment period is extended, an extra charge of Dh100 per month applies. The entire application process takes approximately five minutes.
Who can apply?
The service is available to individuals, government entities, and businesses. Eligible applicants include:
- UAE citizens, GCC nationals, residents, and visitors.
- Government entities (local, federal, and diplomatic).
- Companies and institutions with impounded vehicles.
Required information
Applicants need to provide:
- Driver’s licence number
- Vehicle plate number
- Traffic file number
- Traffic fine number
- Valid email ID and mobile number
- Smart Impound in other emirates
Motorists in Abu Dhabi can apply for home impoundment through the TAMM portal by navigating to the ‘Drive & Transport’ section and selecting ‘Home Impounding for Vehicles’. Once registered, they will receive a tracking device installation appointment.
In Sharjah, Ajman, Fujairah, Umm Al Quwain, and Ras Al Khaimah, motorists must visit the traffic and licensing department in their emirate to request the service. They can also check available service centres using the MOI UAE app.