Motorists can now renew vehicle registration in Dubai without paying fines

Motorists in Dubai can now renew their vehicle registration without paying traffic fines under an initiative launched by Dubai Police this year.

Under the initiative, starting from February 6, motorists who don’t commit traffic offences for three months get a 25 per cent discount on accumulated traffic fines.

A clean record for six months means a 50 per cent discount, nine months means a 75 per cent discount and those who have a clean record for one year get a 100 per cent discount.

Major general Abdullah Khalifa Al Merri, chief of Dubai Police, said: “We have coordinated with the Roads and Transport Authority to allow individuals to renew their vehicle’s registration automatically regardless of accumulated fines or any periods of confiscation imposed on vehicles, or offences committed. We want the public to benefit from the discount initiative.”

Earlier this month, Dubai Police announced that a total of 457,154 drivers benefited from the 25 per cent discount on their accumulated traffic fines.

The initiative waived a total of 1,260,047 traffic offences. It also led to a 19 per cent reduction in vehicles impounded over traffic offences.

“Individuals can go to registration centres and decide whether or not to pay traffic fines immediately,” said Al Merri.

“Individuals can choose the amount of fines they want to clear. However, if they don’t commit a traffic offence, they don’t have to pay anything till February 2020,” he added.

However, drivers from other emirates, or those who have other RTA fines, need to clear them when they renew vehicle registration.

Brig Saif Muhair Al Mazroui, director of the traffic department, said that drivers who have not yet benefitted from the initiative have the chance to do so in the coming months.

“Some drivers who benefited from the 25 per cent discount are afraid of cancelling the discount if they commit a traffic fine later but they shouldn’t be worried as the discount can’t be cancelled,” he explained.

The 100 per cent discount applies to all vehicles registered in Dubai, on condition that the driver abides by traffic laws and regulations and does not commit any violations for a full calendar year starting February 6.

The discount will also apply to the seizure of vehicles and traffic points.

However, parking and Salik fines are not included in the initiative, he said, as they are not traffic offences.

“The initiative only applies to individuals who own vehicles and does not apply to vehicles of private companies, rental offices and public or private transport companies,” added Al Mazroui.