UAE road safety rules have been made stricter with Administrative Decree No. (1) of 2024, enabling the authorities to impound vehicles for severe traffic violations. From sending texts on handheld phones to driving rashly, impoundment periods now range from 14 to 30 days to discourage dangerous behaviour.
With increasing urbanization and more congested roads, UAE leaders recognized the need to tighten car penalties. Rising accident rates pushed Dubai Police and other emirates to amend Decree No. 29/2015 through Administrative Decree No. (1) of 2024, initiated by Commander-in-Chief Al-Marri. The aim - curb risky driving by including severe punishments, i.e., car seizure under the new New Impoundment Rules for Vehicles in the UAE.
With 14–30-day impound periods, fines, and rental charges, drivers now get something more than tickets, they get mobility deprivation. This ultimate guide talks about what's new, responsibility of the driver (especially in rental cars), and the way Beno makes your journey smoother despite new rules.
What the Decree Covers?
Impoundment Durations
30-day impoundment for serious offenses such as:
- Emergency lane change risking safety
- Tailgating or improper following distance
- Distracted driving (e.g., mobile phone use)
- Heavy vehicle lane crossing
- Energy and Infrastructure UAE
14-day impoundment for infractions such as:
- Reckless reversing
- Lane courtesy infractions
- Incorrect overtaking or illegal stopping
- Shoulder usage except in case of emergency or missing plates
These along with fines (AED 400–1,000) and black-point fines
Who Enforces These Rules
Dubai General Traffic Department and authorized police officers have the authority to carry out these impoundments under the New Impoundment Rules for Vehicles in the UAE. These actions are proactive, visible interventions, rather than post-incident punishment.
Who's Affected? Residents, Tourists, Rental Drivers
They encompass all drivers, UAE nationals, expats, and visitors driving any car, including rentals. That includes tourists unfamiliar with specifics of vehicle impound Dubai protocols, or expats from renting from agencies without thoroughly checking policies.
The clock ticks faster - car towing begins immediately and release generally requires payment of all prior penalties, along with unlocking administrative fees and impound yard charges.
Effects of Extended Impoundment
A 30-day vehicle impound in Abu Dhabi, or Dubai car towing, has harsh consequences:
- Penalties (AED 400–1,000) along with black points
- Impound yard fees at release
- Rentals' admin charges
- Loss of transportation when you rely on the impounded vehicle
- for work or for doing errands
These changes are not intended to be deterrents, they're working penalties.
Remaining Compliant - Smart Driving Practices
Always utilize a hands-free telephone system, do not hold phones in hand while driving
- Leave 2–3 seconds of space behind other cars
- Signal turns, don't perform sudden lane changes
- Pass only in places permitted, make full overtakes short
- Never halt on shoulders except in case of emergencies
Remember - even one mistake could lead to a car impound Dubai event that costs you time and hundreds of Dirham.
For rental customers, review the terms and conditions. Infraction fines and admin fees can run to hundreds of dirhams, clearly defining who's responsible before picking up the keys. Even with these stricter New Impoundment Rules for Vehicles in the UAE, Beno ensures it's still affordable to drive economically in the UAE.
In Summary,
The New Impoundment Rules for Vehicles in the UAE for new cars are simple - irresponsible driving = strict retribution.
But strict compliance is easy - drive carefully, use hands-free technologies, and select a rental buddy like Beno to stay nimble and insured on the road. Because with smart platforms like smart impound Dubai and Beno, drive smart, stay compliant, and have a safe journey in all of the UAE!
FAQs
- What infractions will result in a 30-day impound?
Distracted driving, tailgating, dangerous lane changing that places others in hazard, or lane violations by any heavy vehicle can all result in 30 days impounded of your vehicle .
- Is car impoundment specific to Dubai?
No. Though car impound Dubai laws are among the strictest, other emirates like Ras Al Khaimah and car impound Abu Dhabi protocols follow UAE Federal Law No. 14/2024.
- Is an impoundment law Dubai-exclusive?
Dubai recently updated its 2024 decree, but other emirates, like Ras Al Khaimah are cracking down on impound policies . The UAE federal traffic law (No. 14/2024) went into effect in March 2025 with fresh impoundment powers across the federation.
- Can I get my car out early?
Not typically. Impounds are set on a schedule, and early release may include paying additional release charges or bond forfeiture.
- What if my car is impounded?
Retrieve your car by paying all fines and impound lot fees and then contact your rental company. Renting with Beno, you can easily transfer to a different car without advance deposit or hassle.
Or drop us a mail at help@beno.com
