Dubai residents must now settle all unpaid traffic fines before renewing, cancelling, or transferring their residency visas. The new traffic fines policy, introduced by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA), links residency services directly with the Dubai Police Traffic Fines System.
As of July 2025, this system has entered a pilot phase. It affects anyone applying to modify, cancel, or extend their residency within the UAE. According to officials, no application will move forward unless the applicant clears all traffic fines first.
During a media briefing, GDRFA Director General Lieutenant General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri urged residents to follow the law. He emphasized that Dubai welcomes people who respect its legal structure. “We are not trying to burden anyone,” he said. “Residents who owe large amounts can request instalment plans.”
He also noted that traffic violations often escalate when left unpaid. “Many people ignore minor fines, which then grow over time. This creates avoidable financial strain,” Al Marri explained.
He reaffirmed the importance of upholding the UAE’s rule of law. The UAE Constitution guarantees justice and civil rights. However, these rights come with responsibilities. Al Marri warned residents not to delay payments or treat fines lightly.
The traffic fines policy is part of a broader push to promote legal accountability. Al Marri said Dubai aims to become a model city where public spaces and infrastructure reflect civic discipline.
Officials have noticed a rise in residents delaying or avoiding fine payments. Some debts have reached hundreds of thousands of dirhams. Despite warnings and awareness drives, the problem persists. This new policy directly addresses the issue by tying fines to immigration procedures.
Before any residency-related service can begin, residents must show proof of payment. “This is not punishment,” Al Marri clarified. “It’s a step to ensure shared responsibility.”
He encouraged residents to pay fines promptly. The GDRFA is also open to reviewing specific cases and offering instalment solutions where necessary.
Ultimately, the traffic fines policy aims to boost coordination between authorities and protect community safety. By enforcing accountability, the UAE hopes to foster a safer, law-abiding society for all.
