Large traffic fines are a common problem for Dubai drivers. When fines accumulate to AED 5,000, AED 10,000, or even AED 20,000, paying everything at once becomes difficult. Many drivers don’t realize that these unpaid fines block vehicle registration renewal and other essential services. The good news is that installment plans exist, but most people don’t know how to access them.
This guide explains every installment option available in Dubai, from official RTA plans to third-party services like Tabby. You’ll learn eligibility requirements, application processes, and which option works best for your situation. For general information about paying traffic fines, check our complete How to Pay Traffic Fines in Dubai guide.
Understanding Traffic Fine Installment Dubai Options
Why Installment Plans Exist
The RTA and Dubai Police recognize that large accumulated fines create financial hardship. When drivers cannot pay their fines, vehicle registrations remain blocked, creating more problems for everyone. Installment plans solve this by allowing drivers to pay gradually while staying compliant with traffic regulations.
These plans serve multiple purposes. They encourage fine payment, reduce the number of blocked registrations, and help residents manage their finances better. Instead of choosing between paying a AED 15,000 fine or leaving your vehicle unregistered, you can pay monthly while keeping your car legal.
Who Needs Installment Plans
You should consider an installment plan if you have accumulated fines exceeding AED 3,000. Common situations include drivers who ignored minor violations for months, accumulated parking fines in multiple locations, or faced several speeding violations during a bad driving period.
Installment plans are particularly helpful when your vehicle registration renewal deadline approaches. Without paying your fines, you cannot renew registration. An installment plan lets you start the renewal process while spreading payments over time.
Official RTA Installment Plan
Eligibility Requirements
The RTA offers an official installment program for residents with substantial unpaid fines. To qualify, you typically need:
- Total unpaid fines of at least AED 3,000
- Valid UAE residence visa
- Active vehicle registration or ability to renew it
- No previous defaulted installment agreements
- Proof of income (salary certificate or bank statements)
The RTA evaluates each application individually. Having a good payment history on previous plans improves your approval chances.
How the RTA Plan Works
The RTA installment plan allows you to split your total fine amount across 3, 6, or 12 months. Your monthly payment depends on the total fine amount and chosen payment period. For example, AED 12,000 in fines spread over 12 months means AED 1,000 monthly payments.
The plan typically charges minimal administrative fees or no interest at all, making it more affordable than commercial credit options. Payments can be set up for automatic deduction from your bank account, reducing the risk of missed payments.
One important detail: enrolling in an installment plan does not affect your black points. Points continue to accumulate and expire based on violation dates, completely separate from your payment arrangement.
Application Process Step by Step
Applying for the RTA installment plan requires visiting an RTA customer service center in person. Here’s the complete process:
- Gather required documents: Emirates ID, driving license, vehicle registration card (Mulkiya), recent salary certificate, and bank statements from the last 3 months
- Visit your nearest RTA customer service center during business hours
- Request the traffic fine installment application form at the customer service desk
- Complete the form with your personal details, employment information, and preferred payment schedule
- Submit the form with all required documents for credit assessment
- Wait 1-3 business days for approval (RTA will contact you)
- Return to the center to sign the installment agreement
- Make your first payment immediately
- Receive your payment schedule and tracking information
After approval, you can monitor your remaining balance through the RTA Dubai app or website.
Terms and Conditions
Understanding the agreement terms prevents problems later. If you miss a payment, you typically receive a grace period of 5-7 days before penalties apply. Missing multiple payments results in the entire remaining balance becoming due immediately.
You can pay off the full amount early without penalties if your financial situation improves. During the installment period, some vehicle services remain available while others stay blocked until full payment. Check with RTA about specific service restrictions.
Pay Fines Monthly Dubai Through Tabby
What is Tabby for Traffic Fines
Tabby is a buy-now-pay-later service that recently partnered with Dubai’s traffic fine payment platforms. It offers a completely different approach to installment payments. Instead of a long-term plan, Tabby splits your payment into 4 equal installments over 6 weeks.
The service requires no traditional credit check and provides instant approval. This makes it faster and more accessible than the official RTA plan, especially for people who need immediate solutions.
How Tabby Fine Payment Works
When you use Tabby, your total fine amount divides into 4 equal payments. You pay the first installment immediately, then pay the remaining three installments every 2 weeks. The entire payment completes in 6 weeks.
For example, if you owe AED 4,000 in fines, you pay AED 1,000 immediately, then AED 1,000 after 2 weeks, another AED 1,000 after 4 weeks, and the final AED 1,000 after 6 weeks. Tabby charges no interest or fees if you pay on time.
Using Tabby Complete Guide
Using Tabby is entirely online, which makes it convenient:
- Open the Dubai Police app or visit the Dubai Police website
- Navigate to traffic services and select your unpaid fines
- Review the fines you want to pay and proceed to checkout
- At the payment options screen, select Tabby
- If you’re new to Tabby, create an account with your mobile number and Emirates ID
- Existing users can simply log in
- Link your UAE-issued debit or credit card
- Review and approve the payment schedule showing all 4 installments
- Confirm the payment
- Your first installment processes immediately
- Tabby sends reminders before each upcoming payment
The card you link must have sufficient funds for each installment. Tabby automatically charges your card every 2 weeks.
Tabby Eligibility and Limits
Tabby has simpler eligibility requirements than the RTA plan:
- Must be at least 18 years old
- UAE resident with valid Emirates ID
- Debit or credit card from a UAE bank
- Mobile phone number
Tabby sets spending limits based on your profile and payment history. New users typically start with lower limits (around AED 2,000-3,000), which increase after successful payments. The maximum fine amount eligible for Tabby varies, so check the app for current limits.
Some violation types may not qualify for Tabby payment. The option appears at checkout only for eligible fines.
Split Fine Payment RTA
Bank Credit Cards with Installment Features
Many UAE banks offer installment conversion programs. After paying your traffic fine with a credit card, you can contact your bank to convert that transaction into monthly installments (EMI). The bank spreads the payment across 3, 6, 12, or even 24 months.
Interest rates vary significantly between banks, typically ranging from 1.5% to 3% monthly. This option works well if you already paid your fine and later realized you need an installment arrangement.
Employer Salary Deduction Arrangements
Some employers, particularly government entities and large corporations, help employees manage traffic fines through salary deduction. You arrange with your HR department to deduct a specific amount monthly from your salary until the fine is paid.
This is usually an informal arrangement between you and your employer, not an official RTA program. Success depends on your employer’s policies and your relationship with the company.
Which Installment Option is Best?
| Feature | RTA Official Plan | Tabby | Bank Card EMI |
| Fine Amount | AED 3,000+ | Varies | Any amount |
| Payment Period | 3-12 months | 6 weeks (4 payments) | 3-24 months |
| Interest/Fees | Minimal/None | None | Yes (1.5-3% monthly) |
| Approval Speed | 1-3 days | Instant | 1-3 days |
| Requirements | Documents + visit | Online only | Existing transaction |
| Application | In-person at RTA | Online through app | Call your bank |
When to Choose Each Option
Choose the RTA Plan when you have large fines exceeding AED 10,000 and need 6-12 months to pay. This option works best for people who prefer official government arrangements and can provide employment documentation.
Choose Tabby when you have moderate fines (AED 3,000-8,000) and can pay within 6 weeks. This option suits people who want instant approval and purely online processing without visiting any office.
Choose Bank EMI when you already paid your fine with a credit card and realized afterward that you need an installment arrangement. This is also useful for very large amounts when other options reach their limits.
Important Considerations Before Choosing an Installment Plan
Impact on Vehicle Services
Understanding service restrictions during your installment period is critical. Some RTA services become available once you start an installment plan, while others remain blocked until full payment.
Vehicle registration renewal policies vary depending on your plan type and total fine amount. Contact RTA directly to confirm which services you can access during the installment period.
Black Points During Installment Period
Many drivers misunderstand the relationship between fines and black points. Entering an installment plan only affects your fine payments. Black points accumulate and expire independently based on violation dates.
For example, if you received 12 black points from violations in March 2025, those points will expire in March 2026 regardless of when you finish paying the related fines. Your installment plan has no effect on black point accumulation or expiry.
Financial Planning
Before committing to any installment plan, calculate whether the monthly payment fits comfortably in your budget. Include all fees and interest (if applicable) in your calculation.
Setting up automatic payments prevents missed installments and default penalties. Most banks and Tabby offer automatic deduction options. Use them.
Consider the total cost. A 12-month installment plan with 2% monthly interest on AED 10,000 costs significantly more than paying upfront or using Tabby’s interest-free option.
How to Avoid Needing Installment Plans
Prevention is always better than needing an installment plan. Check the Dubai Police app weekly for new violations. When you receive a fine, pay it immediately before more violations accumulate.
Enable push notifications on the Dubai Police app. You’ll receive alerts within hours of any new violation, allowing you to address issues immediately.
Consider setting aside AED 200-300 monthly in a separate account as a “traffic fine fund.” This small buffer prevents financial stress when violations occur.
Most importantly, practice safe driving. Follow speed limits, avoid phone use while driving, and understand parking regulations in different areas. Good driving habits eliminate the root cause of accumulated fines.
What to Do If You Default on an Installment Plan
Immediate Steps
If you realize you cannot make an installment payment, contact RTA or your payment provider immediately. Don’t wait for the default to happen. Explain your situation and request a payment extension or modification.
Many providers offer one-time grace periods for genuine financial difficulties. Acting proactively shows good faith and increases your chances of receiving help.
Consequences of Default
Defaulting on an installment plan has serious consequences. The remaining balance becomes due immediately in full. Your vehicle registration gets blocked again. Future installment plan applications may be rejected.
RTA may impose additional administrative penalties on top of the original fine amount. For Tabby, defaults can result in account suspension and collection agency involvement.
Getting Back on Track
If you’ve already defaulted, focus on resolving the situation quickly. Contact the provider to negotiate a new arrangement. Some allow you to restart an installment plan after paying late fees.
Consider switching to a different payment method if the current plan isn’t working. For example, if RTA’s 6-month plan is too aggressive, check if Tabby’s shorter but smaller installments work better.
Multiple options exist for managing large traffic fines through installment payments. The RTA official plan works best for substantial fines requiring longer payment periods. Tabby offers quick, interest-free solutions for moderate amounts payable within weeks. Bank credit card EMI provides flexibility after you’ve already paid.
Choose your option based on fine amount, how quickly you can pay, and your financial situation. Remember that installment plans help with fine payments but don’t affect black points. For more information about all fine payment methods, visit our complete guide.
The best approach is preventing fine accumulation through safe driving and immediate payment of small violations. Installment plans are helpful tools, but not needing them is better.
What is the minimum fine amount for traffic fine installment Dubai?
The RTA plan typically requires at least AED 3,000 in total fines. Tabby’s minimum varies but is generally lower, around AED 1,000-2,000 depending on your profile.
Can I use Tabby for all traffic fines?
Most standard traffic fines qualify for Tabby payment. However, certain violation types and very large amounts may not be eligible. The Tabby option appears at checkout only for qualifying fines.
Do installment plans remove black points?
No. Black points and fines are completely separate penalties. Installment plans only affect how you pay fines. Black points remain on your license and expire based on violation dates, not payment completion.
Can tourists use installment plans?
Generally no. Both RTA and Tabby require UAE residency and local bank accounts. Tourists must pay fines in full before leaving the country.
What happens if I miss one installment payment?
You typically receive a grace period of 5-7 days with a warning. Missing payments after the grace period can trigger default proceedings, making the full remaining balance due immediately.
Can I pay off the installment plan early?
Yes. Most plans allow early settlement without penalties. Contact your provider to get the exact remaining balance and settlement process.
