Dubai: If you have been involved with a serious traffic violation in the UAE, chances are you may not only be facing a heavy financial fine and black points, but your vehicle may also be impounded.
What exactly happens when your vehicle is impounded and what are your options? Here is all you need to know.
When is a vehicle impounded?
The UAE’s traffic laws regulate road behavior and stipulate stringent penalties for violations that endanger the lives of motorists and cause traffic disruptions. A vehicle may be impounded if you have been involved in a serious traffic violation like jumping a red light, driving under the influence of alcohol or being involved in a hit and run case.
If you have been issued a traffic ticket that requires that the car be impounded, you would need to visit the Traffic and Licensing Services Center at the traffic authority in your emirate.
Can I get a waiver from impoundment?
If your vehicle is impounded, there is an option to pay a certain amount of money against getting an impoundment waiver. The amount depends on the police authority of each emirate.
In Abu Dhabi, Law No. 5 of 2020 concerning vehicle impoundment in the emirate of Abu Dhabi, a person may need to pay Dh50,000 for the release of an impounded vehicle with certain fines.
What is a ‘smart impound’?
However, if you do not wish to apply for the impoundment waiver, you still have the option to go for a ‘smart impound’. In this service, which is available across the UAE, the police authorities install a small electronic device to the vehicle’s system. This satellite-linked device ensures that the vehicle is monitored by the operation room in case it is moved before the end of the impoundment period.
The smart impound device has to be returned to the Traffic and Licensing Services Center after the vehicle impound period expires and traffic fines are paid.
What happens if I move a car which is under a ‘smart impound’?
If the vehicle is moved, the smart impound order could be re-imposed on the violator, the impound period determined for the violation is replaced with a certain amount, or the vehicle impound is carried out at the impound yard, subject to the regulations and conditions in the emirate.
Fees
Apart from the fine, you will also be required to pay certain service fees during the impoundment process.
Impound yard
If the vehicle is impounded at the impound yard, a fee of Dh100 will apply as fees for vehicle release certificate.
If the impound period expires and the vehicle is not received by its owner, a fine of Dh50 will apply as storage fees, provided that it shall not exceed Dh3,000.
Smart impound
If you select the smart impound service, these are the service charges applicable:
• Dh500 for the first month
• Dh100 for each additional month.
A delay fine of Dh50 shall apply as of the eighth day following the end of the impound period.
Returning the smart impound device
The smart impound device has to be returned to the Traffic and Licensing Services Center after the vehicle impound period expires and traffic fines are paid.
