Driving in UAE: What exactly is the black points system? key info every driver must know

TL;DR

• UAE drivers face license suspension after accumulating 24 black points in 12 months.
• Violations carry 2 to 24 points, depending on severity, plus fines.
• Points can be reduced through police-approved training programs.
• All drivers, including visitors, are tracked via advanced traffic monitoring systems.

Understanding the Black Points System : What Every Driver Needs to Know

If you're new to the UAE, whether as a resident or visitor, and plan to drive, it's vital to understand the country's Black Points System, which is central to how traffic violations are handled. Introduced in July 2017 under Ministerial Resolution No. 178/2017, the system is a powerful tool for promoting road safety by penalizing unsafe driving behaviors. It applies across all emirates, including Dubai and Abu Dhabi, and is a key part of the UAE Vision 2021 for reducing road accidents and fatalities.

Violations are tracked using an advanced network of cameras, radars, and AI-powered monitoring systems, and black points are added to your driving license for each offense. Once a violation is confirmed, drivers typically receive an SMS notification within 48 hours, detailing the offense, fine, and black points imposed.

The system is designed not just to fine violators, but to accumulate penalties, which can ultimately lead to license suspension or mandatory retraining, especially for repeat offenders or those involved in serious infractions.

How Black Points Work: Accumulation, Duration, and Suspension
In both Dubai and Abu Dhabi, the system works on a 24-point scale:

• Each violation carries a set number of black points.
  
  
• Points remain active on your license for 12 months from the date of the offense.
  
  
• Accumulating 24 points within this period results in license suspension.
  
  

Suspension periods:

• First-time reaching 24 points: 3-month suspension
  
  
• Second time: 6-month suspension
  
  
• Third time: 1-year suspension plus mandatory retraining and retesting at an authorized driving school
  
  

To monitor your point status:

• Visit Abu Dhabi Police or Dubai Police websites
  
  
• Use the Tamm Abu Dhabi app
  
  
• Access the RTA Dubai app
  
  
• Check through SMS services
  
  
• Visit traffic police offices in person
  
  

Traffic Violations Categorized by Severity and Black Point Range
Violations in the UAE are grouped by how dangerous they are, with penalties combining black points, fines, and sometimes additional sanctions such as court decisions or vehicle impoundment.


High-Severity Violations (Black Points: 12–24)

These are major offenses that pose a serious risk to public safety and often carry heavy fines or court decisions:

• 24 Points:
  
  
  • Using a vehicle for unauthorized passenger transport – AED 3000
    
    
  • Transporting hazardous materials without permission – AED 3000
    
    
• 23 Points:
  
  
  • Driving without license plates – AED 3000
    
    
  • Driving under the influence (Alcohol/Drugs) – Court decision
    
    
  • Causing injury or property damage in accidents – AED 2000 or Court decision
    
    
• 16 Points (Heavy Vehicles):
  
  
  • Failing to stop after minor accident – AED 1000
    
    
  • Fleeing from police – AED 1000
    
    
• 12 Points:
  
  
  • Excessive speeding (60–80 km/h over limit) – AED 2000
    
    
  • Noisy vehicles – AED 2000
    
    
  • Altered chassis/engine without permission – AED 1000
    
    
  • Red light violations (light vehicles or motorbikes) – AED 1000
    
    
  • Fleeing scene of minor accident (light vehicles) – AED 800
    
    

Mid-Level Violations (Black Points: 6–10)

These infractions significantly raise accident risks and are often committed unintentionally:

• 10 Points:
  
  
  • Not stopping for a school bus’s activated stop sign – AED 1000
    
    
• 8 Points:
  
  
  • Entering prohibited roads – AED 1000
    
    
• 6 Points:
  
  
  • Failing to yield to emergency vehicles – AED 3000
    
    
  • Speeding by under 60 km/h – AED 1500
    
    
  • Shoulder overtaking – AED 1000
    
    
  • Littering or polluting roads – AED 1000
    
    
  • Parking in disabled spaces – AED 1000
    
    
  • Unsafe lane entry or poor lighting – AED 400–600
    
    
  • Dangerous truck loads – AED 2000
    
    
  • School bus rule violations – AED 500
    
    

Lower-Level Violations (Black Points: 2–4)

These are common infractions but can add up quickly for careless drivers:

• 4 Points:
  
  
  • Not wearing seatbelt (driver or passenger) – AED 400
    
    
  • Using a mobile phone while driving – AED 800
    
    
  • Sudden swerving – AED 1000
    
    
  • Driving without proper lighting – AED 500
    
    
  • Dangerous reversing, improper turns – AED 400–500
    
    
  • Expired documents (license, insurance, tires) – AED 500
    
    
  • Driving in fog without lights – AED 500
    
    
  • Improper parking or taxi zone misuse – AED 500
    
    
  • Using vehicle beyond permitted use – AED 300
    
    
  • Passenger overloading – AED 500
    
    
  • Dismissing police orders – AED 400
    
    
  • Driving below minimum speed – AED 400
    
    
• 2 Points:
  
  
  • Weak light performance or indicator failure – AED 400
    
    

Reducing and Managing Black Points
If you're worried about racking up black points, Dubai Police offers a training program for drivers with between 8 and 23 black points. By completing the course, drivers can deduct up to 8 points from their record.

Additionally:

• If someone else was driving your vehicle and earned the points, you can request to transfer them to the correct driver.
  
  
• The best way to avoid points is through consistent safe driving, maintaining your vehicle, and staying alert to traffic rules.

FAQs:

Q. What are black points in the UAE?
Black points are penalties added to your driving license for traffic violations.

Q. How many black points lead to license suspension?
Accumulating 24 points within 12 months results in suspension.

Q. Do black points expire?
Yes, black points expire exactly 12 months after the date of the violation.

Q. Can I reduce my black points?
Yes, by attending a Dubai Police training course, up to 8 points can be removed.

Q. How do I check my black points?
You can check via the Dubai Police, Abu Dhabi Police websites, mobile apps, or by visiting traffic offices.