Dubai vehicle impoundment: release fees up to Dh100,000 under Decree 30 of 2023

Dubai's Decree No. 30 of 2023 sets mandatory vehicle impoundment for serious traffic violations, with release fees ranging from Dh10,000 to Dh100,000. Violations carrying Dh100,000 release fees include participating in unpermitted road races. Violations with Dh50,000 fees include reckless driving, jumping red lights, driving with fake or obscured plates, deliberately hitting police vehicles, and underage driving (under 18). Violations with Dh10,000 fees include major vehicle modifications causing noise, fleeing police, driving without plates, watching or participating in illegal road races, and exceeding window tinting limits. Vehicles accumulating over Dh6,000 in unpaid fines can also be impounded. Vehicle owners must settle outstanding fines, complete the impoundment period, and resolve the violation to retrieve their vehicle. If a vehicle remains uncollected after impoundment, a Dh50 daily charge applies. Repeat impoundments within one year result in doubled release fees (up to Dh200,000) and doubled impoundment periods (up to 90 days). Non-UAE nationals driving heavy vehicles who jump red lights may face administrative deportation.