Dubai, UAE – For many tourists, renting a luxury car and cruising down the UAE’s world-class highways is a dream experience. But this dream can quickly turn costly if drivers are unaware of the country’s strict traffic laws, especially when it comes to speeding.

Rental companies report that unaware visitors are racking up massive traffic fines, with one case involving a tourist being charged over Dh86,000 after initially accumulating Dh43,000 in violations. The tourist left the country before the fines were processed, leaving the rental company to bear the cost.

⚠️ The Reality of Traffic Fines in the UAE

According to Soham Shah, CEO of SelfDrive Mobility, the issue is widespread. Tourists often don’t know about:

• Strict speed limits

• Radar enforcement zones

• Limited grace thresholds

In one case, a customer received six speeding fines in five minutes, totaling over Dh1,000.

🚗 How Rental Companies Are Protecting Themselves (and Tourists)

To combat these issues, UAE car rental companies have introduced new policies aimed at reducing risk and increasing awareness:

1. 💳 Stricter Payment Policies

Companies like 7Cars Rent a Car now prefer credit card payments with pre-authorized holds to secure potential fine costs.

2. 📘 Customer Education

Rental firms are proactively educating tourists about UAE traffic laws, speed limits, and radar monitoring before they even hit the road.

3. 🔔 Real-Time Fine Alerts

SelfDrive Mobility sends real-time updates to customers during the rental period if any fines are incurred, helping avoid end-of-trip surprises.

4. 💰 Deposit-Free Models

Udrive has eliminated security deposits altogether, choosing instead to charge only for actual fines that appear in the system.

📋 Understanding Traffic Fines and Your Rights

All fines in the UAE are linked to the car’s license plate and must be manually checked and assigned to the responsible driver by rental agencies.

If a customer disputes a fine, they can appeal directly to the RTA. If approved, the rental company must refund the full amount.

⚖️ Legal Consequences for Unpaid Fines

Legal expert Sunil Ambalavelil of NYK Lawyers explains that:

• Rental firms can file civil claims to recover fines

• This could lead to a travel ban for non-payment

• Criminal complaints may be filed in cases of fraud or bounced cheques

🤝 Working Together for Safer Roads

Benny Thomas, CFO at Thrifty and Dollar Car Rental, notes that his company is partnering with tourism boards to raise awareness among visitors. The goal is to promote responsible driving through clear education, not just enforcement.

✅ Enjoy the Ride — Without the Fines

With better policies, education, and cooperation, UAE car rental companies are helping tourists drive smarter. Understanding the rules not only protects you from expensive surprises but also ensures your UAE experience is filled with scenic drives, not stress.