In the UAE, if you are someone who is not motivated to keep your car clean, you need to watch out! The UAE is very particular about the appearance of vehicles on the streets, particularly in its major cities like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah.
So if you think you can park your car after a dusty desert drive and decide, “I’ll wash it next week,” you would probably be better off rethinking that. Letting your vehicle gather grime isn’t just a matter of its appearance; it’s also a financial problem in the UAE. Yes, a dirty car could also cost you up to AED 1,000 in fines, or even more, if you ignore warnings.
UAE Wants Clean Streets and Vehicles
It’s not without reason that the Emirates have been renowned for decades for a luxurious lifestyle and spotless boulevards. They put a lot of thought and effort into urban aesthetics. Your dirty car parked in a public space doesn’t just look bad; it disrupts the visual harmony of the space and makes the whole area look bad. That’s why authorities in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah Initiated A system of fines to inculcate the habit of maintaining clean vehicles among its residents. The rule is that if your car looks abandoned or excessively dirty, it’s a problem, and you will be fined if you do not take corrective steps.
Besides, the issue is not just about your car’s looks. In a hot, humid climate, accumulated dirt can attract pests and pose health risks. That’s why the UAE enforces these fines under laws like Abu Dhabi’s Law No. 2 of 2012, which targets visual pollution and promotes a clean, sustainable environment.
What is the Fine Amount?
Here’s a quick breakdown of what you could be facing in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah:
- Dubai: AED 500 fine for dirty cars. Authorities will usually place a warning sticker on your car and give you a 15-day grace period before the vehicle is impounded.
- Abu Dhabi: Fines again start at AED 500 for the first offense, and will be increased to AED 1,000 for the second, and AED 2,000 for the third. If your car is considered abandoned, you could be fined up to AED 4,000.
- Sharjah: Here, the fine is AED 250 if you’re caught hiring illegal car washers to wash your car in public areas. If you abandon your vehicle, it could also get impounded.
If your car gets impounded, charges for getting it back can climb to AED 3,000 depending on how long you wait.
Criteria For Labeling a Car “Dirty”
It’s not just about a little dust. If your car looks neglected with mud dried all over, bird droppings, or is sandstorm-swept, it could be considered dirty and fined. Also, don’t think about DIY-ing a wash in your driveway or on the street. That’s another AED 500 fine, or AED 1,000 for repeat offenses.
How To Stay Fine-Free
- Use legal car wash services at petrol stations, malls, or apartment parking areas.
- Avoid washing your car in public spaces or hiring unauthorized washers.
- Don’t leave your car parked for weeks without cleaning—it’s a red flag for authorities.
Wrapping Things Up
In the UAE, your car isn’t just a mode of transport—it’s also a part of the city’s image. It gives the cities of Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah the appearance of shining opulence. Hence, keeping it clean isn’t just a courtesy you are supposed to follow; it’s the law in the city. Fines for a dirty car can range from AED500 to AED1,000 and even AED4,000, if you’re not careful. Neglecting your car or attempting to wash it on the street are also offences. So next time your ride’s looking a little dusty, treat it to a proper wash. Your wallet and your neighbors will thank you!
