Dubai Police issue nearly 50,000 fines to drivers with expired registration in 2026

Dubai Police have issued nearly 50,000 fines to drivers with expired vehicle registrations in the first 10 months of 2026, according to a senior officer. Brigadier Juma Salem bin Suwaidan warned of the dangers of driving with unregistered vehicles, as these pose increased risks to safety. Mandatory annual inspections, required for cars over three years old in Dubai, are crucial for identifying potential issues with essential components like brakes, tires, lighting, and steering systems.

Drivers caught with expired registration can face fines of up to Dh500, four black points on their license, and a seven-day vehicle impound. Not renewing registration in time could lead to further penalties and legal troubles, especially in the event of an accident. New Year saw a spike in fines, with 48,950 penalties issued in the first ten months of 2026, peaking in January with 6,977.

The highest monthly total was in July (6,404), followed by August (4,859), September (4,763), and October (4,056). April had the lowest monthly total of 2,601 fines. Bin Suwaidan encouraged motorists to settle fines promptly and use online services provided by Dubai Police and the Roads and Transport Authority to check and pay fines, as well as complete vehicle registration renewals.

Regularly checking vehicle registration and insurance expiry dates, scheduling technical inspections, and ensuring roadworthiness are crucial to avoid penalties and protect lives and property.