How to Check and Remove All Types of Fines in the UAE

Living in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) comes with many privileges, from world-class infrastructure to unmatched security and convenience. However, like in any other developed country, residents and visitors must comply with strict laws and regulations. One area that affects many people is fines—whether traffic fines, immigration penalties, municipal violations, or even COVID-related fines.

Failing to clear fines on time can cause issues when renewing your driving license, car registration, residence visa, or even while traveling abroad. Luckily, the UAE government provides multiple online and offline platforms to check, pay, and even contest fines easily. In this guide, we’ll explore how to check and remove all types of fines in the UAE.

Common Types of Fines in the UAE

Before learning how to check fines, it’s important to know the categories they fall into:

1. Traffic Fines
   • Overspeeding, signal jumping, using a mobile while driving, and improper parking are some of the most common traffic violations.

2. Salik Fines
   • Salik is Dubai’s toll system. Fines occur when drivers pass toll gates without a sufficient balance in their Salik account.

3. RTA (Roads and Transport Authority) Fines
   • These may include fines related to public transport violations, taxi misuse, or bus lane violations.

4. Municipality Fines
   • Issued for littering, improper waste disposal, smoking in prohibited areas, or other public cleanliness violations.

5. Visa and Immigration Fines
   • Overstaying a tourist or residency visa results in daily fines until resolved.

6. COVID-19 Fines (Health Authority Fines)
   • Introduced during the pandemic for breaching safety rules such as not wearing masks, hosting gatherings, or breaking quarantine rules.

Knowing the type of fine you have helps in using the correct platform to check and clear it.

How to Check Fines in the UAE

The UAE government has made it simple to check fines through multiple online platforms. Here’s a breakdown by type:

1. Checking Traffic Fines

• Dubai Police Website/App
  • Visit the Dubai Police website or use their mobile app.

  • Enter your vehicle plate number, driving license number, or Emirates ID.

  • All pending fines, with details of violation type, location, and amount, will appear.

• Abu Dhabi Police Website/App
  • Access the Abu Dhabi Police portal.

  • Use your Emirates ID or vehicle details to check outstanding fines.

• Ministry of Interior (MOI) Website/App
  • The MOI app consolidates fine checks for all Emirates, making it useful for residents who frequently travel between cities.

2. Checking Salik Fines

• Visit the Salik Dubai website.

• Log in using your account details or vehicle plate number.

• The system shows pending toll charges and fines for insufficient balance.

3. Checking Municipality Fines

• Dubai Municipality Website
  • Go to the Dubai Municipality portal.

  • Enter your Emirates ID or trade license number (for businesses).

  • Outstanding municipal fines are displayed.

• Other Emirates have their own municipality websites (Sharjah, Ajman, etc.) where fines can be checked similarly.

4. Checking Immigration and Visa Fines

• Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP) Website
  • Visit the ICP portal.

  • Enter your passport number, file number, or Emirates ID.

  • Any overstay fines or visa-related penalties will appear.

• GDRFA (General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai)
  • For Dubai-specific immigration fines, use the GDRFA website.

5. Checking COVID-19 Fines

• Visit the UAE Police Fines Portal.

• Alternatively, use the Al Hosn app or the Dubai Police app to check if you were penalized for COVID-19 rule violations.

How to Pay and Remove Fines in the UAE

Once you identify fines, the next step is removing them by either paying or contesting them.

1. Online Payment Options

• Dubai Police App/Website – Allows card payments for traffic and COVID fines.

• MOI App – Consolidated platform for traffic fines across all Emirates.

• Salik Website – Pay toll fines via credit/debit card or top up your account.

• Municipality Portals – Pay fines related to cleanliness or business violations online.

• ICP & GDRFA – Pay visa overstay fines online before exiting or renewing your visa.

2. Payment via Smart Kiosks

• Dubai and Abu Dhabi have Smart Police Stations (SPS) and self-service kiosks where fines can be paid using Emirates ID or vehicle details.

3. Payment via Banks

• Some banks in the UAE allow direct payment of traffic fines through online banking apps or ATMs.

4. Visiting Customer Happiness Centers

• For complex cases or disputes, visiting an RTA, Municipality, or Police Customer Happiness Center is recommended.

Contesting or Reducing Fines

Not all fines need to be paid blindly. The UAE provides a legal framework to dispute fines if you believe they were issued unfairly.

• Traffic Fines Dispute
  • File a complaint via the Dubai Police app or Abu Dhabi Police portal.

  • Provide evidence such as dashcam footage or eyewitness accounts.

  • If approved, the fine may be reduced or canceled.

• Visa/Immigration Fines Waiver
  • In some humanitarian cases (medical emergencies, flight bans, or loss of passport), fines may be reduced or waived.

  • Applications can be submitted at ICP or GDRFA offices with supporting documents.

• Municipality Fines
  • Visit the local municipality office with evidence (e.g., receipt of proper waste disposal) to appeal a wrongly issued fine.

Tips to Avoid Fines in the UAE

1. Follow Traffic Rules Strictly – Speed cameras and radars are everywhere.

2. Maintain Sufficient Salik Balance – Set auto-recharge through your bank to avoid fines.

3. Check Visa Expiry Dates – Renew on time to avoid costly overstay fines.

4. Dispose Waste Responsibly – Avoid littering and follow recycling guidelines.

5. Stay Updated with Laws – Regulations evolve, especially concerning public health and safety.

Final Thoughts

Checking and removing fines in the UAE is now more convenient than ever, thanks to the country’s advanced digital infrastructure. Whether it’s traffic fines, Salik violations, immigration penalties, or municipal fines, residents and visitors can quickly verify and settle them online.

At the same time, the UAE government has systems in place to contest fines in genuine cases, ensuring fairness. The best strategy, however, is prevention—by following the law, staying informed, and using online portals regularly to avoid surprises when renewing documents or traveling.