- Validity of Black Points
- Major Traffic Violations
- Ways to Avoid Black Points
- Checking Black Points
- FAQs
The black point system was introduced by the Dubai Police in coordination with the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) to encourage safe driving. The system is part of Dubai’s traffic regulation framework, designed to improve road safety and reduce dangerous driving behaviours.
Black points are penalties recorded on a driver’s licence upon committing certain traffic violations. That said, these points won’t stay with you all your life. Read on to discover how long black points last and ways to avoid them.
Black Points Validity in Dubai Explained
Different numbers of black points are accumulated on your driving record depending on the severity of the offence. The validity of black points on the Dubai driving licence record is 1-year from the date of the violation. A maximum of 24 black points can be accumulated within the 12 months. As per UAE traffic regulations, if a driver accumulates 24-points, the driving licence is suspended. The license suspension period ranges from 3 to 6 months.
Rules for Licence Suspension
As per Dubai Police traffic regulations:
- First time accumulating 24 points: Dubai driver licence suspension (3 to 6 months, depending on the offence – not outright cancellation)
- Repeated offence: Longer suspension periods (up to 1 year, depending on case history)
After suspension, the driver must complete the required post-suspension procedures, which may include taking a driving course at any of the driving schools in Dubai or retesting. This decisions lies with the authorities.
Can Black Points Be Removed Early?
Black points expire automatically after 12 months. However, reduction or early clearance is possible through:
- Approved traffic awareness programmes by Dubai Police
- Participation in redemption or awareness campaigns announced by authorities, like the RTA
- Settlement of fines during official discount campaigns (for fines, not black points directly)
Please note: Black points are linked to the driver and not the vehicle. In case a driver thinks they’ve received unfair points, they can contest by filing a dispute via Dubai Police and/or RTA, along with any supporting evidence, such as witness statements or dashcam footage. If the appeal is successful, the disputed black points will be removed. Here are the details pertaining to contesting a traffic fine in the UAE.
Major Traffic Violations, Black Points, Fines & Vehicle Impoundment Durations
According to Dubai Police and the UAE Federal Traffic Law, alongside black points, offences also carry monetary fines and vehicle impoundment periods.
Note: Fine amounts and vehicle impound durations vary depending on the vehicle type, circumstances and updated official schedules issued by Dubai Police and the Ministry of Interior.
Violations Carrying 23 Black Points
These offences fall under the highest severity category in the UAE traffic penalty framework.
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Fine: The penalty is court-determined
- Impound: 60 days
- Additional Penalties: Possible criminal charges and licence suspension
- Causing serious injury or death due to reckless driving
- Fine: Court-determined / case-based
- Impound: Up to 60 days or more, depending on the case
- Driving a vehicle without a number plate
- Fine: AED 3,000
- Impound: 90 days
Violations Carrying 12 Black Points
The following are serious violations that carry substantial penalties under UAE traffic laws.
- Jumping a red traffic signal
- Fine: AED 1,000
- Impound: 30 days
- Driving a noisy car or one that is modified
- Fine: AED 2,000
- Impound: Not applicable
- Exceeding the speed limit by more than 60–80 km/h
- Fine: AED 1,500–2,000 (depending on speed band)
- Impound: 30 days
- Running away from the police’s instructions to stop
- Fine: AED 800–1,000
- Impound: 30 days
- Heavy vehicle disrupting lane discipline
- Fine: AED 1,500
- Impound: Not applicable
Violations Carrying 6 Black Points
These are common traffic violations with moderate to high enforcement penalties.
- Blocking emergency vehicles or failing to give way
- Fine: AED 3000
- Impound: 30 days.
- Unsafe overtaking from the hard shoulder
- Fine: AED 1,000
- Impound: Not applicable
- Throwing waste from vehicle window
- Fine: AED 1,000
- Impound: Not applicable
- Parking in restricted areas (e.g., fire hydrants)
- Fine: AED 1,000
- Impound: Not applicable
- Driving heavy vehicle without following safety and security measures
- Fine: AED 2000
- Impound: Not applicable
Violations Carrying 4 Black Points
These offences are linked to everyday driving behaviour; they do not impound the vehicle but carry fines.
- Using a mobile phone while driving
- Fine: AED 800
- Impound: Not applicable (standard case)
- Not wearing a seatbelt
- Fine: AED 400
- Impound: Not applicable (standard case)
- Failing to use child safety seats for children under the required age/height limit
- Fine: AED 400
- Impound: Not applicable (standard case)
How to Check Black Points in Dubai
For checking black points, you can visit the:
- Dubai Police Official Website
- Dubai Police App (Android|iOS)
- RTA Dubai’s Official Website
All you need to do is log in with your UAE Pass, traffic file number or licence number to view your traffic violation history.
How to Avoid Black Points and Traffic Fines
Follow safe driving practices to avoid black points and traffic fines in Dubai:
- Always drive within the allowed speed limit in the UAE
- Always wear a seatbelt
- Never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Use hands-free devices for calls while driving
- Respect pedestrian crossings and emergency vehicles
- Avoid using mobile phones while driving
- Make sure your car has a valid registration and insurance
Compliance is ensured in Dubai, thanks to strict enforcement across all major roads, supported by smart surveillance systems.
FAQs
What are black points?
Black points, also known as demerit points, are penalties recorded on a driver’s licence upon committing certain traffic violations.
How long do black points stay on a driving licence in the UAE?
The validity of black points on a driving licence is 1 year (12 months) from the date of each violation.
Do black points expire automatically after one year?
Yes, black points expire automatically after one year from the date of each violation. If the driver accumulates 24 black points before expiry, the licence will be suspended as per UAE traffic regulations.
What happens if I reach the limit of 24 black points?
Reaching a total of 24 black points, accumulated within the 12-month validity period, results in licence suspension under UAE traffic regulations.
That is all about the duration of black points in Dubai and ways to avoid them. Follow the UAE driving rules for your own safety and that of others on the road.
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Stay tuned to UAE’s top auto blog for more on different traffic regulation systems.
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