Driving in Dubai comes with strict rules and serious consequences for violations. While many drivers focus on paying traffic fines, they often overlook a more critical issue: black points. These penalty points accumulate on your driving license and can lead to a one-year suspension if you reach 24 points. Most drivers don’t realize that paying a fine doesn’t remove the points, and many are unaware that points expire after one year or that a reduction course exists. If you’re new to driving in Dubai, read our complete Driving License in Dubai guide to understand the basics before diving into the points system.
What Are Black Points in Dubai?
Understanding the Black Points System
Black points are penalty points added to your driving license when you commit traffic violations in Dubai and across the UAE. The system was designed to encourage safer driving by tracking repeat offenders. When you commit a traffic violation, the authorities automatically add a specific number of black points to your license along with the monetary fine.
The key detail most drivers miss is that points remain on your record for exactly one year from the date of the violation, not from the date you pay the fine. The RTA and Dubai Police track these points automatically through their digital systems.
Why Black Points Dubai Driving License Matter
Black points accumulate over time. If you get caught speeding today and using your phone while driving next month, those points add up. The critical threshold is 24 points. Once you reach this number, your license is automatically suspended for one year, regardless of whether you’ve paid all your fines.
The most common misunderstanding is thinking that paying your fine removes the points. It doesn’t. The fine and the points are two separate penalties. You might pay a AED 400 fine immediately, but those 4 black points will stay on your license for 12 months.
How Black Points Are Added to Your License
Common Traffic Violations and Their Points
Different violations carry different point values. Here are the most common ones:
Severe Violations (12-24 points):
- Driving under the influence: 23 points
- Reckless driving endangering lives: 23 points
- Exceeding speed limit by more than 80 km/h: 23 points
- Causing serious accident due to negligence: 23 points
Moderate Violations (4-8 points):
- Exceeding speed limit by 30-60 km/h: 12 points
- Sudden swerving: 4 points
- Driving vehicle with expired registration: 4 points
Minor Violations (2-4 points):
- Using mobile phone while driving: 4 points
- Not wearing seatbelt: 4 points
- Parking in disabled spot without permit: 6 points
Each violation also comes with a monetary fine. See payment options in our traffic fines guide.
When Points Are Applied
Points are automatically added to your license as soon as the violation is recorded in the system. They’re tied to your driving license number, not to the vehicle you were driving. This means if you get points while driving a rental car or a friend’s vehicle, those points still go on your license. The points apply whether you pay the fine immediately or wait months to pay it.
How to Check Black Points Dubai
Online Methods
The easiest way to check your black points is through digital platforms:
Dubai Police App: Download the app, register with your Emirates ID, go to Services, select Traffic Services, then View Black Points. This shows your current points and when each violation occurred.
MOI UAE App: The Ministry of Interior app provides the same information. Navigate to Traffic Services and select Black Points Inquiry.
Dubai Police Website: Visit the Dubai Police portal, enter your license details, and view your complete violation history including points.
These same platforms also show your outstanding traffic fines, making it easy to track both penalties at once.
In-Person Options
You can also check your points at RTA customer service centers or police stations. Bring your Emirates ID and driving license.
Consequences of Accumulating Black Points Dubai Driving License
The 24-Point Rule
This is the most critical threshold to understand. When you accumulate 24 black points, your driving license is automatically suspended for one year. There’s no warning, no grace period, and no way to negotiate. The system is fully automated.
During this suspension, authorities may also confiscate your vehicle until you settle all outstanding matters. The suspension is strictly enforced across all seven emirates.
Additional Penalties
Beyond suspension, black points create other problems. Insurance companies often increase premiums for drivers with multiple points on their record. Some employers, especially those in driving-related fields, check black point records during hiring or visa renewals.
While you can renew your license with black points on your record (as long as you haven’t reached 24), having a high number of points may complicate the renewal process.
What Happens During Suspension
If your license is suspended, you cannot legally drive any vehicle in the UAE for the full year. After the suspension period ends, you must retake the complete driving test to get your license back. This includes both theory and practical exams, with all associated fees.
How to Remove Black Points
Natural Expiry
The most important thing to understand is that black points automatically expire exactly one year after the violation date. For example, if you received 6 points on March 15, 2025, those points will disappear on March 15, 2026.
The common mistake is thinking the one-year period starts when you pay the fine. It doesn’t. The countdown begins on the violation date itself. Paying the fine does not remove the points. See How to Pay Traffic Fines for the difference between fine payment and point removal.
The AED 810 Reduction Course
Dubai offers an official traffic awareness course that can reduce your black points by up to 4 points once per year. The course costs AED 810 and is available through RTA training centers.
Eligibility requirements:
- Must have a valid UAE driving license
- Can only take the course once per calendar year
- Must complete before reaching 24 points
- Must have no outstanding traffic fines
The course typically takes one full day and covers safe driving practices, UAE traffic laws, and accident prevention. Upon completion, 4 points are immediately deducted from your record. This can be a lifesaver if you’re approaching the 24-point threshold.
No Other Removal Methods
There are no shortcuts or unofficial ways to remove black points. Beware of anyone claiming they can instantly remove points from your record for a fee. These are scams. The only two legitimate ways to reduce points are waiting for natural expiry or taking the official reduction course.
Preventing Black Points Accumulation
Best Practices
The best strategy is avoiding violations altogether. Stay aware of speed limits, which vary by road type (60-140 km/h depending on the road). Use apps like RTA Dubai to track Salik gates and parking to avoid related violations.
Some rules differ significantly from other countries, such as the requirement to stop completely for pedestrians at crosswalks.
Setting Up Alerts
Enable push notifications on the Dubai Police app to receive immediate alerts about new violations. Register for SMS notifications as well. Check your points monthly, especially before long road trips or visa renewals. Set calendar reminders to review both your points and outstanding fines regularly.
What to Do If You Reach 24 Points
If you hit 24 points, your license is immediately suspended. You must surrender your license to authorities and arrange alternative transportation for the next year. Make sure to pay all outstanding fines before the suspension period ends, as unpaid fines will prevent you from retaking your driving test.
During the suspension, there’s no way to reduce the duration or drive legally in the UAE. After one year, you’ll need to go through the complete license reapplication process.
The black points system is Dubai’s way of promoting road safety, but it catches many drivers off guard. Remember that 24 points means a one-year suspension with no exceptions. Points expire one year from the violation date, not when you pay the fine. Consider taking the AED 810 reduction course if you’re accumulating points. Check your points monthly using the Dubai Police app.
Always pay fines promptly and understand your license requirements. Drive safely and stay informed about your point balance to avoid unexpected suspensions.
Do points transfer between emirates?
Yes, black points apply across all UAE emirates. A violation in Sharjah adds points to the same license you use in Dubai.
What if I get points on a rental car?
The points go on your license since violations are tied to the driver, not the vehicle.
Can tourists get black points?
Yes, if you have a UAE driving license or are driving on an international license, violations are recorded.
Do points affect my home country driving record?
Generally no, but check with your home country’s licensing authority.
What happens if I drive during suspension?
Driving with a suspended license results in severe penalties including vehicle impoundment, heavy fines, and potential jail time.
Can I renew my license with black points?
Yes, as long as you haven’t reached 24 points and don’t have outstanding fines.
What Happens at 24 Points License Suspension?
When you reach 24 black points, your driving license is automatically suspended for one year. During the 24 points license suspension, you cannot drive any vehicle in the UAE.
