How much can a dirty or abandoned car cost you in Abu Dhabi and Dubai?
Fines reach up to Dh4,000 for vehicle neglect in key UAE cities
Car owners in Abu Dhabi and Dubai must ensure their vehicles remain clean and well-maintained, as authorities impose strict fines on abandoned or excessively dirty cars.
The penalties, which range from Dh500 to Dh4,000, aim to preserve the cities' urban aesthetics.
Abu Dhabi’s fine structure
The Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) in Abu Dhabi has classified vehicle neglect fines into three categories:
Dirty vehicles in public spaces: Dh500 for the first offence, Dh1,000 for the second, and Dh2,000 for the third.
Abandoned vehicle frames or bodies: Dh1,000 for the first violation, Dh2,000 for the second, and Dh4,000 for repeated offences.
Authorities enforce these fines under Law No. 2 of 2012, which aims to combat visual pollution and maintain a clean, sustainable environment.
Dubai Municipality’s regulations
Dubai has also implemented strict measures, with a Dh500 fine for any vehicle left abandoned in public areas. When a violation is recorded, Dubai Municipality sends an SMS alert to the registered owner, who must settle the fine within three to 15 days.
Municipal authorities stress that neglected vehicles contribute to urban decay and must be removed or cleaned within the stipulated timeframe.
Fines for public littering
In addition to vehicle-related penalties, the DMT has reinforced littering fines ranging from Dh2,000 to Dh4,000 for violations such as improperly discarding cigarette butts, chewing gum, or spitting paan in public spaces.
Residents are urged to remain vigilant about these regulations to avoid unnecessary fines and contribute to a cleaner, more organised urban landscape.