Finding an unexpected government fine is never a good experience. It could be from a speeding ticket in Dubai, an iqama renewal in Riyadh, or an overstay visa from an extended trip. The exact amount is less important than the uncertainty. How much is it? Can I appeal it? What happens if I do nothing?
Most importantly, there are no ways to remove a fine. However, there are official methods to pay a fine at a discount. There are also methods like payment plans and appeals that can be used to resolve a fine.
This guide will show you legal ways to clear your fines in UAE and KSA. It will also show you how to find your fines in each country.
Clearing Things Up: What “Fine Removal” Really Means
Transparently, there are no government approved methods to completely remove a fine. Many social media pages and WhatsApp groups claim to remove fines for a price. These are scams and should be avoided.
- Break a large lump-sum payment into smaller ones.
- Contest a fine.
- Take advantage of a government-issued amnesty.
- Apply for a waiver if authorized.
Avoid scammers. Pay through official apps and websites.
Checking your Fines in the UAE
There is no centralized fine management system in UAE. The fine management system varies based on the Emirate and type of offense.
Traffic Fines
The police websites or apps are the best means to know your traffic fines. The RTA or DubaiDrive apps can also be used to know traffic fines in Dubai.
Parking Fines
The RTA or Parkin apps can be used to know your parking fines in Dubai.
Residency and Visa Fines
Fines related to residency and visa can be viewed on GDRFA or ICP portals.
Traffic Fine Reductions in UAE
There are several ways to pay your traffic fines, and in some cases the authority may allow a reduction in fine.
Pay early
Abu Dhabi offers a 35% discount on traffic fines for payments made within 60 days, dropping the discount to 25% within a year. Dubai also provides an early-payment discount and applies it automatically to payments made through official channels. Residents do not have to do anything to avail this discount.
Here’s what you need to know about traffic fine discounts:
- Discounts are offered for minor traffic violations recorded by traffic cameras.
- Discounts are not offered for serious traffic offenses.
- Discounts are subject to change and residents should check the latest information available on the app.
Paying Traffic Fines, In Four Installments
Residents of both Emirates can pay large traffic fines in four installments. The first Emirate offers this facility through partner banks for large traffic fines. Residents should contact the partner bank within a month of issuance of the fine. Payment in installments is also offered in Dubai with a further discount offered to residents if they make timely payments.
Keep an Eye out for Amnesties
The UAE grants pardons for traffic fines from time to time. Residents should check the official websites of local police authorities for such offers. In the past, the traffic authorities of Abu Dhabi offered a 50% remission on traffic fines.
Discounts for Black Points
Residents should pay traffic fines within the prescribed time period. Black points are removed from a driver’s license if traffic fines are paid within the stipulated time period. Discounts are offered for traffic violations if a driver’s license does not have black points.
UAE Visa Overstay Fines
Fines for overstaying a visa are cumulative and increase daily.
How much are the fines?
The UAE overstay fines are currently 50 AED per day across all visa types (e.g. visit and residence visas) after the grace period. The grace period for residence visas can vary from 1-6 months. Therefore, the longer the grace period, the more the potential savings. The fines can be checked and paid online.
Payment and Status
First determine where your visa was stamped (i.e. ICP or GDRFA Dubai). Next, identify your visa using your passport, Emirates ID or file number. Once identified, you can pay the fine using a credit card. Keep the receipt to show at the airport, or during a visa status change or renewal.
Visa Amnesty
The UAE has a residence visa amnesty program to allow residents to legalize their status and/or leave the country. Once the amnesty program ends, no waivers will be granted to leave the country. Waivers may be granted in discretionary cases and supporting documents will increase the chances of a favorable decision.
How to Check Fines in Saudi Arabia
Traffic and other fines can be paid using the Absher or Muroor app.
- Saudi Arabian Platform for Payment Services (Efaa)
Many Saudi banks have the option to pay SADAD via their mobile banking app.
Fines can be paid using ID number, Iqama number, or vehicle registration number.
Fines related to Iqamas
Fines related to Iqamas are available on Absher. Absher is also the platform where Iqama holders can renew their Iqama. Setting a reminder to renew Iqama is recommended.
Traffic Fines in Saudi Arabia
There are many ways to reduce traffic fines in Saudi Arabia.
25% Discount
There are many benefits of paying traffic fines in a timely manner. Article 75 of the Saudi Traffic Law states that fines can be reduced by 25% for a limited period of time after the offense is committed. The discount is not available for drifting or reckless driving fines and violations that are related to accidents. The 25% reduction can be lost if a 90 day extension is granted.
50% Discount
The grace period to pay traffic fines issued before 18 April 2024 with a 50% reduction closed on 18 April 2025. Old traffic fines need to be paid or the 25% reduction granted by the Saudi government need to be claimed before the new reduction expires.
Installments and Extensions
Laws in Saudi Arabia also state fines can be paid in installments. You can also request a grace period of up to 90 days to pay the fine. If you do not do either of these, consequences may include your bank account being seized.
Disputing a Fine
If you feel a fine has been issued to you incorrectly, you may dispute this through Absher or the Muroor app. This is to be done within 30 days of the date the fine was issued. If your dispute is rejected, you may be required to pay the fine.
Fines on Iqamas in Saudi Arabia
Fines on Iqamas are usually larger in amount to discourage people from forgetting to renew them.
Penalties for Failing to Renew Your Iqama in Time
If your Iqama is not renewed within the allotted time, fines begin to be imposed. Some of these fines are as follows:
- First renewal 3 years later: 500 SAR
- Second renewal 3 years later: 1,000 SAR
- Third renewal 3 years later: Higher fine and possible deportation
Not having your Iqama on your person may result in a fine.
Settling the Fine
You may use Absher to pay the fine and renew your Iqama. It is also possible your employer may pay this; check with your Human Resources department to avoid paying the fine unnecessarily.
Is it possible to have an iqama fine waived?
Generally speaking, no. Fines are set by the relevant authorities and are non-negotiable. The best approach is to set reminders 3 months prior to the expiry date and confirm with your employer to action the renewal process.
What are Some Other Government Fines?
Fines are imposed by various government authorities for reason ranging from traffic violations to employment related offenses.
- Employment related fines are issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Employment (MOHRE) and other associated entities.
- Parking and traffic violations are governed by the local municipalities.
- Dubai’s Salik toll fines are imposed on individuals for failure to install a Salik toll collection tag in their vehicle or for insufficient balance in their Salik account.
- Companies can incur fines and violations for which the sponsor or owner can also be held personally liable.
Why is it Important to Know About These Fines?
There are several reasons why individuals may want to know more about government fines. The examples below illustrate why.
Example 1
The Abu Dhabi Department of Transport (DOT) may use speed cameras to issue speeding fines. The violator may receive an SMS and may view the fine on the TAMM portal. Residents of Abu Dhabi may pay the speeding fine within 60 days of the issue date to enjoy a 50% discount. If the amount is large, the violator may contact a partner bank to pay the fine in instalments.
Example 2
The Absher portal may be used by the individual to pay a late iqama fee and process the renewal of the iqama. Renewal of the iqama is mandatory and Absher does not offer a discount.
Example 3
Overstaying in the UAE. After your grace period, the UAE charges AED 50 per day. You can check either GDRFA or ICP to pay the overstay fee and leave. You can submit a request to waive the overstay fee in case of an emergency.
Example 4
Incorrect Saudi Traffic Fine. You have 30 days to appeal a traffic fine in Saudi. You can do this through Absher.
Faults to Avoid
There are a number of habits that can help you avoid fines.
- Don’t procrastinate. Visa fine prices increase with time.
- Avoid using middlemen. There is no way to guarantee the removal of your fine.
- Never share your OTP or password.
- Check your fines when you return from a trip.
- Don’t expect old discounts. The 50% discount scheme in Saudi is often out of date.
- Familiarize yourself with SMS alerts. Falsifying SMS messages doesn’t mean other messages are fake.
A Fines Free Life
It isn’t difficult to avoid fines.
- Check traffic fines bi-annually.
- Set a reminder 90 days before your visa or iqama expires.
- Turn on SMS notifications.
- Pay fines in a timely manner. Discounts expire.
- Don’t throw away evidence of payment until the case is completely resolved.
You’re looking at approximately 10 minutes of work per month. Considering how strictly enforced most traffic laws are in the UAE and KSA, it’s probably worth the time.
Summary
Fines in both countries are grim-looking at first glance, but rest assured, there are ways to lessen and/or resolve them. Fines can’t be completely waived, but there are ways to reduce them. Discounts for timely payments, installment plans, petitions and amnesties are all mechanisms in place to lessen the burden of an infraction.
Swift action and proof of payment are essential to resolving a traffic fine. Other individuals may claim to know a less-public swifter way to resolve your infraction, but more often than not, they’re looking to swindle you.
There are numerous, rapidly shifting, discounts and deadlines. To take complete advantage of the available mechanisms, you’ll need to frequently check the websites and apps of the respective police and federal departments.
