The Abu Dhabi government enforces strict traffic regulations, with violations leading to hefty fines and, in some cases, vehicle impoundment. Cars may be seized for offences such as reckless driving, unpaid fines or illegal modifications. Knowing the reasons for impoundment, along with the required fees and release procedures, helps car owners avoid legal complications and remain compliant with the law.
Abu Dhabi Vehicle Impoundment
The impounded vehicle is towed to the impound facility on Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Street. Owners have up to six months to reclaim their vehicle; otherwise, it becomes eligible for auction under the legal process overseen by the Abu Dhabi Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT).
How to Release an Impounded Vehicle in Abu Dhabi
The process to release an impounded car in Abu Dhabi involves the following steps:
- Visit the customer service centre located in the impound area.
- Submit a copy of the Emirates ID or the owner’s driving licence, along with the vehicle ownership card.
- If the vehicle is registered under another person’s name, provide first-degree proof of relationship or legal authorisation.
- Pay the applicable fees to complete the release process.
Impounded Vehicle Fine in Abu Dhabi
MAWAQiF Abu Dhabi charged towing and impounding fees against the vehicles violating Law No. 18 of 2009 as follows:
- AED 100 per day for the first month, starting from the date the vehicle is impounded.
- AED 500 per month for each additional month until the vehicle is released or sold at auction.
- AED 500 one-time fee to cover towing and transportation charges.
Smart Vehicle Impoundment in Abu Dhabi
Smart vehicle impoundment in Abu Dhabi allows authorities to secure a violating vehicle without towing it to the impound yard. A small electronic device is installed in the car to prevent its movement. If the vehicle is driven away from the approved location or the service terms are violated, the device immediately sends an alert to the control room.
After the impoundment period ends, the device is removed, allowing the owner to resume regular use of the vehicle. To benefit from this service, owners must apply to request smart impoundment.
How to Request Smart Vehicle Impoundment
Car owners must submit an application to the authorities for smart vehicle impoundment by following these steps:
- Step 1: Log in to TAMM Abu Dhabi or visit the nearest service centre
- Step 2: Submit the application along with all the required documents
- Step 3: Pay the service fee
- Step 4: Wait for the approval from the authorities
- Step 5: Receive and install the electronic device in the car
Along with the application, owners are required to provide their original Emirates ID and proof of identification. The service fee for smart vehicle impoundment in Abu Dhabi is AED 15 per day.
Terms and Conditions for Smart Vehicle Impoundment
For smart vehicle impoundment, car owners must adhere to the following terms and conditions.
- The owner must have violated a traffic law that requires impoundment.
- A declaration outlining service conditions must be signed.
- The vehicle owner must be present, or a legal representative with a valid power of attorney can act on their behalf.
Common Reasons for Vehicle Impoundment in Abu Dhabi
Some of the most common reasons for vehicle impoundment in Abu Dhabi are as follows: .
- Damaging a police vehicle: If a motorist caused damage to or collided with a police vehicle, the traffic violations in Abu Dhabi imposed are AED 50,000. Additionally, they are responsible for covering the expenses incurred for repairing the damage caused.
- Causing a collision as a result of excessive speeding, abrupt manoeuvres, failure to maintain a safe distance, or not allowing pedestrians to cross: If a driver causes an accident due to excessive speeding, sudden deviation, failure to maintain a safe distance, or not giving pedestrians the right of way, they can be fined AED 5,000. For more information, check out these new speeding fines in Abu Dhabi.
- Participating in road racing: Engaging in unauthorised road racing is strictly prohibited in Abu Dhabi. Motorists caught participating in such activities face a fine of AED 50,000.
- Driving with an invalid number plate: Operating a vehicle without a valid number plate, or using plate numbers that do not comply with legal specifications, is a violation in Abu Dhabi. Offenders can be fined AED 50,000 for this offence.
- Kids under 10 years sitting in the car’s front seat: It is against the law to allow children below the age of 10 to sit in the front seat of a vehicle. Motorists who violate this regulation can face a fine of AED 5,000.
- Total traffic fines exceeding AED 7,000: Unresolved traffic violations and unpaid fines can also result in vehicle impoundment. The Abu Dhabi Traffic Department maintains a robust system to track outstanding fines, and once the fines accumulate to a certain threshold, the vehicle may be impounded until the fines are settled. If an individual’s accumulated traffic fines exceed AED 7,000, they are required to pay the fines in full. You can also get discounts on traffic fines in Abu Dhabi and pay fines easily.
- Unauthorised Vehicle Modifications: Modifying a vehicle without obtaining the necessary permits is considered a violation in Abu Dhabi. If a vehicle is found to have unauthorised modifications, it can be impounded until the necessary approvals are obtained.
- Jumping Red Light: If a driver in Abu Dhabi is caught violating a red light, they could receive a fine of AED 50,000. Along with the hefty fine, their driving licence in Abu Dhabi will be confiscated for six months.
- Reckless Driving: Engaging in dangerous activities such as street racing, drifting, or excessive speeding can lead to immediate vehicle impoundment.
FAQs
How can I check if my car is impounded?
The vehicle impoundment can be checked through the official website of Dubai Police or TAMM Abu Dhabi.
How long are vehicles typically impounded in Abu Dhabi?
The maximum time of vehicle impoundment in Abu Dhabi is 6 months.
Who can collect the impounded vehicle?
The car owners or their representative, with a first-degree proof or legal authorisation, can collect vehicles.
This covers everything about vehicle impoundment in Abu Dhabi, including service charges and the steps for completing the release procedure. Vehicles must be claimed within the specified period; otherwise, impounded cars are auctioned by the authorities. These auctioned vehicles are often sold at reasonable market prices, offering a good opportunity for those looking to buy used cars for sale in Abu Dhabi.
Stay connected with dubizzle’s auto blog for more information on vehicle seizure penalties in the UAE.
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