Just like any major city, Dubai has its own set of rules and regulations that residents and visitors must follow to maintain order and harmony. While some of these laws are well-known, others might surprise you.
In a city as dynamic as Dubai, even seemingly harmless actions can lead to unexpected penalties. To help you navigate the city’s unique legal landscape, we’re shedding light on some lesser-known rules that could result in hefty Dubai fines.
Whether it’s something as simple as chewing gum in the wrong place or dozing off on the metro, it’s important to stay informed to avoid costly mistakes. How well do you know these Dubai rules?
Essential Dubai Fines You Should Be Aware Of
Jaywalking
Dubai Police have recently issued a reminder that jaywalking is considered a criminal offense in Dubai, with a potential fine of Dhs400. The reminder emphasizes that pedestrians crossing outside designated areas may be fined Dhs400. These fines aim to encourage safe crossing practices and prevent injuries.
Highlighting the seriousness of the issue, Dubai Police revealed that jaywalking was involved in 320 accidents last year, leading to approximately 339 injuries.
Chewing gum on the metro
Similar to eating and drinking, chewing gum is also prohibited on the Dubai Metro. This rule applies even to drinking water, so be sure to hydrate before entering the station or after leaving.
To keep the carriages clean, you might face a Dhs100 fine if you forget to throw away your gum before boarding. To avoid fines in Dubai, it’s best to save the gum for later.
Sleeping on the metro platform
The Road and Traffic Authority (RTA) states that you can be fined Dhs300 for “sleeping on platforms where passengers are waiting or in areas where sleeping is not allowed.”
So, if you’re feeling drowsy, it’s better to grab a coffee instead.
Resting your feet on the seats
This rule applies to all forms of public transport, including buses, metros, and trams.
Keep your feet off the seats to avoid a Dhs100 fine in Dubai.
Exceeding the allowed limit for tinted glass
On Thursday, July 6, 2023, Dubai introduced 13 new traffic fines aimed at curbing reckless driving. Among these is a Dhs10,000 penalty for exceeding the permitted tinting limit on car windows.
While window tinting is popular in Dubai for reducing heat and improving air conditioning efficiency, it’s important to adhere to the 50 percent tint limit, as specified in Article No. 9 of the new traffic law. Note that the front windshield cannot be tinted at all – the side and rear windows are the only ones that can have a tint of up to 50 per cent.
Neglecting to keep your car clean
Since 2019, a regulation has required UAE residents to maintain clean vehicles. According to Dubai Municipality and reported by Khaleej Times, car owners who let their cars remain dirty for extended periods may face a Dhs500 fine.
Posting photos of accidents
The UAE enforces stringent and continually updated cybercrime laws to safeguard residents in today’s digital age. Under the major revisions to the cybercrime laws introduced in January 2022 through the Federal Decree-Law No. 34 of 2021 on Combating Rumors and Cybercrimes, photographing and sharing images of accident or disaster victims online or through any electronic means can result in fines ranging from Dhs150,000 to Dhs500,000. Offenders may also face up to six months in prison.
Fundraising
While collecting donations for worthy causes is a commendable act, it must be done within legal guidelines. According to The National, since 2008, it has been a criminal offense to collect donations without approval from the Ministry of Social Affairs, now known as the Ministry of Community Development. This legislation was revised in 2015 to make it illegal to donate to any unlicensed charity.
Fundraising can still be conducted for important causes, but it must be done through licensed organizations, such as Emirates Red Crescent, to ensure proper use of funds. Violating these regulations can result in fines ranging from Dhs5,000 to Dhs100,000, and possible imprisonment from one month to a year.
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Using a car horn in an inappropriate or disruptive manner
Whether it’s blasting the horn during rush hour on Sheikh Zayed Road or waking someone up in the middle of the night in a quiet residential area, excessive or disruptive use of car horns in Dubai is both annoying and regulated. If caught using your horn in a disturbing manner, you could face a Dhs400 fine and accumulate 4 black points on your license. So, be mindful and use your horn responsibly.
