How to Check if Car is Impounded in UAE

Impoundment periods and penalties vary based on the offence, with some cases requiring hefty fines and black points before release. The UAE also offers smart impound alternatives, allowing remote monitoring instead of physical detention. Understanding the rules, paying fines on time, and following traffic laws can help drivers avoid impoundment and ensure a hassle-free driving experience in Dubai and across the UAE.

What is Vehicle Impoundment?

If you violate the traffic rules and eventually fail to pay the fines on time, your vehicle is impounded. Your car will be seized and kept in the impounded lot until you pay the penalties. Anyone can bid and buy the vehicle through an auction if they do not comply and pay the fines. 

Reasons Your Vehicle is Being Impounded

Certain traffic violations in the UAE can lead to vehicle impoundment. Understanding these violations can help drivers avoid penalties and ensure road safety. Common offences that result in car impoundment include –

• Driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or narcotics
• Causing accidents that result in serious injuries or fatalities
• Reckless driving that endangers lives
• Damaging public or private property
• Driving without a number plate or with an expired registration
• Running a red light or driving in the wrong direction
• Failing to stop after an accident or evading traffic police
• Exceeding the speed limit by over 60 km/h
• Illegal passenger transport or carrying hazardous materials
• Unauthorised vehicle modifications or excessive noise
• Engaging in street racing

Please note: Following traffic rules helps avoid legal trouble and ensures safer roads for everyone. 

Action Taken Against the Impounded Vehicle Vehicles are typically impounded for 7 to 60 days, depending on the violation. However, driving without a valid number plate can lead to a 90-day impoundment. To reclaim an impounded car, the owner must pay both the impound yard fees and fines promptly to pay extra charges. Car owners have two options for impoundment — A police-designated impound yard Their residence or parking lot To reduce congestion in impound lots, Dubai, Sharjah, and Abu Dhabi have introduced a smart impound system, allowing vehicles to be held at the owner's parking space instead. Stay Informed and Act Quickly!

How to Check If Your Car is Impounded in Dubai?

Dubai Police provides several ways to check if a vehicle has been impounded and to review any related fines or penalties. Here’s how to do it:

Check Online via the Dubai Police Website

• Step1- Visit the Dubai Police Portal – Go to the official Dubai Police website
• Step2- Login or Continue as Guest – Use your UAE Pass or proceed as a guest
• Step3- Find the ‘Traffic Fines Inquiry’ Section – Navigate to Traffic Services and select Traffic Fines Inquiry
• Step4- Enter Vehicle Details – Input your plate number, traffic file number, or Emirates ID
• Step5- View Results – The portal will display impoundment details, fines, and infractions

Use the Dubai Police App

• Step1- Download the App on your iOS or Android mobile
• Step2- Log in to the account using your UAE Pass
• Step3- Under Traffic Services, choose the Impound Status Check option
• Step4- Provide the required details including plate number and traffic file number
• Step5- View impoundment details and any unpaid fines

Visit a Dubai Police Station

• Step1- Go to a Police Station: Major locations include Al Muraqqabat, Bur Dubai, and Al Barsha
• Step2- Bring Necessary Documents: Emirates ID, vehicle registration, and driver’s licence
• Step3- Request Assistance: Speak with the officers, who will provide details about the impoundment and any required actions

RTA/Driving License
Roads and Transport Authority (RTA)	Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) Dubai
Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) Sharjah	Transfer Car Registration
Driving License UAE	Driving License in Dubai

How to Release Your Impounded Car in Dubai?

Vehicle impoundment is one of the strictest penalties in the UAE, often accompanied by heavy fines and black points on the driver’s licence. When a vehicle is impounded, it is taken to a designated location, and the owner is not allowed to use it during the impoundment period. This penalty is enforced for serious traffic violations, such as running a red light, reckless driving, or illegal vehicle modifications that increase noise levels.

To get an impounded vehicle released in Dubai, specific steps must be followed. Understanding the process can help ensure a smooth and timely release of the impounded car in Dubai. 

Step 1: Pay Any Outstanding Fines

Before retrieving your impounded vehicle, all fines related to the violation must be cleared.

• Check and Pay Fines – Visit the Dubai Police website or app and go to the "Traffic Fines Inquiry" section. Enter your plate number, Emirates ID, or traffic file number to check outstanding fines
• Payment Methods –
  • Online – Pay using a credit or debit card through the Dubai Police website or app
  • In-Person – Visit a Dubai Police station or RTA Customer Service Center to pay in cash or card

Please Note: For large fines, instalment plans may be available through the Dubai Police app or at a police station.

Step 2: Get a Vehicle Release Document

After clearing fines, request a vehicle release document from the police station where the impoundment was processed.

• Required Documents —

• Emirates ID
• Vehicle registration
• Fine payment receipt
• Any additional documents requested by the Dubai Police

After verification, you’ll be issued a Vehicle Release Form, granting authorisation for the impound yard to release your car.

Step 3: Collect Your Vehicle from the Impound Yard

Locate the designated impound yard, usually the Al Qusais Vehicle Impound Yard or another site specified in your paperwork.

• At the Yard:
  • Present the Vehicle Release Form and Emirates ID at reception
  • Pay any storage charges, which may range from AED 20 to AED 50 per day
  • Once all dues are settled, you can reclaim your vehicle. Keep all documents for future reference

How to Release an Impounded Vehicle in Abu Dhabi? If your car is impounded in Abu Dhabi, you can easily handle the process online through the TAMM Abu Dhabi website. To request the release of the impounded vehicle online,  Step1- Log in to TAMM Abu Dhabi – Use your UAE Pass or sign in with your phone number or email Step2- Go to ‘Drive & Transport’ on the homepage Step3- Click ‘Fines & Violations’ on the left menu Step4- Select ‘Release Impounded Vehicle Certificate’ and click ‘Submit a Request’ Step5- Enter your driving license or plate number and submit the form Step6- You will receive a confirmation via SMS or email once the request is processed For in-person assistance, contact Abu Dhabi Police before visiting the impound yard to ensure a smooth process. How to Release an Impounded Vehicle in Sharjah? If your car is impounded in Sharjah, you can visit Sharjah Municipality or speed up the process by applying online.Online Application Process: Step1- Go to portal.shjmun.gov.ae Step2- Click ‘Release of Impounded Vehicle’ on the homepage Step3- Click ‘Enter the Service’ and search by chassis number or plate number Step4- Choose the plate emirate and plate type (e.g., Private, Taxi, Motorcycle) Step5- Click ‘Search’ to view car details and follow the instructions Step6- Fill in the application form with your name, phone number, license, and plate number Step7- Pay outstanding fines before printing your application In-Person Process: Step1- Visit the Traffic Department of Sharjah or send a legal representative Step2- Contact the Vehicle Impoundment Division in Industrial Area 3 Step3- Present original ownership documents for verification Step4- After approval, receive your vehicle release letter Step5- For company-owned vehicles, the owner, partner, or company representative must process the request. How to Release an Impounded Vehicle in Ajman? If your car is impounded in Ajman, follow these steps to recover it — Step1- Visit Ajman Municipality’s website Step2- Click ‘Service Directory’ on the homepage Step3- Select ‘Municipality and Planning Department’ Step4- Click ‘Impounded Vehicle Release’ → ‘How to Apply’ → ‘Start the Service’ Step5- Fill in your name, mobile number, and driving licence number Step6- Submit the request and wait for confirmation (approval or rejection) Step7- Pay the required fees, which vary based on the violation Step8- Receive your vehicle impoundment release certificate Step9- Collect your car from the impoundment service centre

Impounded Car Storage Fees in Dubai

If your car is impounded in Dubai, storage fees are charged based on how long the vehicle remains in the impound yard. These fees vary depending on the location and reason for impoundment. The following is the breakdown of storage fees —

• Daily Storage Fees - Typically range between AED 20 to AED 50 per day. Charges start from the day of impoundment and continue until the car is released
• Additional Fees for Long-Term Impoundment - If the vehicle stays beyond 30 to 60 days, extra fees may apply. Severe traffic violations may lead to extended impoundment, increasing overall costs
• Payment and Release Requirements - Before release, all fines, storage fees, and penalties must be cleared. Payments are made directly at the impound yard, along with any required documents

Clearing fees quickly helps avoid accumulating extra charges, making early settlement the best option.

Can You Negotiate or Reduce Your Storage Fees? In Dubai, storage charges for impounded cars are usually non-negotiable, as they are laid down by the Dubai Police and impound services at fixed rates. However, in specific cases, reductions or waivers may be possible. Here’s how to do it — First-Time Offender Consideration - Some first-time offenders may be eligible for fee reductions or payment plans, especially for minor infractions or financial hardship. Requests must be made in person at the impound yard or police station, where officers may review special cases. Dubai Police & RTA Initiatives - Occasionally, the Dubai Police or RTA launch amnesty programs or temporary discount campaigns. These initiatives help encourage compliance and may reduce storage fees or fines for eligible cases. Requesting an Extension to Avoid Extra Fees - If retrieving the vehicle on time is difficult, owners can request an extension to avoid additional penalties. This won’t reduce daily fees but can prevent extra charges from accumulating. In most cases, full payment of storage fees is required before the vehicle is released. Always check with Dubai Police for any ongoing programs or instalment payment options.

What is Smart Impound?

If you prefer not to apply for an impoundment waiver, the Smart Impound service is available across the UAE. With this service, police authorities install a small electronic device in your vehicle. This satellite-connected tracker allows authorities to monitor the car remotely and ensures it stays in place until the impound period ends.

Once the impound duration is over and all fines are paid, the smart impound device must be returned to the Traffic and Licencing Services Centre. The following are the service charges for Smart Impound —

• First Month – AED 500
• Additional Month – AED 100

The following are the key benefits of the Smart Impound System —

• Convenience - Owners don’t need to visit an impound yard to retrieve their vehicle, making the process easier and hassle-free
• Cost Savings - No storage fees since the vehicle stays with the owner instead of being held at an impound yard
• Efficient Monitoring - Authorities can track compliance remotely, reducing paperwork and administrative work
• Eco-Friendly & Practical - Eliminates the need for towing and storage, cutting down on emissions and reducing overcrowding in impound yards

How Does the RTA Dubai Police Smart Impound System Work? Smart Tracking Device Installation - If a vehicle is impounded for a traffic violation, the owner can opt for the Smart Impound System instead of the traditional impoundment. A tracking device is installed by an authorised personnel to monitor the vehicle Continuous Monitoring - The device tracks the car’s location 24/7, ensuring it stays within a designated area and is not driven. If the vehicle is moved before the impound period ends, Dubai Police is immediately notified, and additional penalties may apply Impound Period - The impound duration depends on the violation, typically ranging from 7 to 60 days. During this time, the car must remain in the assigned location and cannot be used End of Impoundment - After completing the impound period and settling any fines, authorised personnel will remove the tracking device, and the vehicle can be used again

How to Save Your Car from Impoundment in Dubai?

Impoundment can lead to severe consequences. This is why it is important to save the car from impoundment in Dubai. Here are some tips to save yourself from vehicle impoundment in Dubai –

• ✔️Follow Traffic Rules - Traffic laws change frequently to improve road safety. Keep yourself informed to avoid accidental violations. Speeding is a leading cause of impoundment. Check speed limits, especially on new or updated roads. Avoid reckless actions like tailgating, aggressive overtaking, and running the red lights, as these can result in immediate impoundment.
• ✔️Pay Fines on Time - Unpaid fines can quickly accumulate and may lead to impoundment. Use the Dubai Police app or website for easy payments. Dubai Police sometimes offer fine reductions for early payments or during amnesty campaigns, helping you save money.
• ✔️Keep Your Documents Updated - Expired insurance or vehicle registration can result in impoundment. Set reminders for renewal. Driving with an expired licence can lead to fines, black points, or even impoundment. When driving between Emirates, ensure that all the necessary documents (insurance, registration, licence) are valid. Staying prepared helps to avoid unexpected penalties.

To ensure that you have an updated car insurance, renew it on time. Policybazaar.ae offers renewal service. Get the best car insurance in UAE from the top providers in the country. 

Frequently Asked Questions