Understanding the Black Points System in Dubai: Complete Guide

The black points system in Dubai is designed to promote road safety by penalizing repeat traffic offenders. Understanding how this system works is crucial for all drivers in the UAE.

What Are Black Points?

Black points are penalty points added to your driving record when you commit certain traffic violations. They serve as a deterrent against dangerous driving behavior and repeat offenses.

How Black Points Work

Accumulation Period

• Points are calculated over a rolling 12-month period
• Points expire one year after they were issued
• Each violation adds points immediately to your record

Consequences of Accumulating Points

| Points Accumulated | Consequence | |-------------------|-------------| | 24 points (1st time) | License suspended for 3 months | | 24 points (2nd time) | License suspended for 6 months | | 24 points (3rd time) | License suspended for 1 year | | 24 points (4th time) | License permanently revoked |

Violations and Their Black Points

Severe Violations (12+ Points)

| Violation | Black Points | |-----------|--------------| | Causing death by reckless driving | 23 | | Driving under influence (DUI) | 23 | | Exceeding speed limit by 80+ km/h | 23 | | Fleeing accident scene with injuries | 23 | | Racing on public roads | 23 | | Exceeding speed limit by 60-80 km/h | 12 |

Serious Violations (6-8 Points)

| Violation | Black Points | |-----------|--------------| | Running a red light | 12 | | Exceeding speed limit by 50-60 km/h | 8 | | Using mobile phone while driving | 4 | | Not wearing seatbelt | 4 | | Exceeding speed limit by 40-50 km/h | 6 |

Moderate Violations (4 Points)

| Violation | Black Points | |-----------|--------------| | Exceeding speed limit by 30-40 km/h | 4 | | Overtaking from wrong side | 4 | | Entering road dangerously | 4 | | Not giving way to emergency vehicles | 6 |

How to Check Your Black Points

Dubai Police Website

1. Visit dubaipolice.gov.ae
2. Go to Services > Traffic Services
3. Select "Black Points Inquiry"
4. Enter your traffic file number

Dubai Police App

1. Open the Dubai Police app
2. Log in with UAE Pass
3. Navigate to Traffic Services
4. View your black points status

Smart Police Stations

1. Visit any Smart Police Station
2. Use the self-service kiosk
3. Enter your Emirates ID or license number
4. View current black points

License Suspension Process

If you reach 24 black points:

Notification

• You'll receive an official notification from Dubai Police
• Your license status changes to "Suspended"
• You must surrender your license

During Suspension

• You cannot drive any vehicle in the UAE
• Getting caught driving results in additional penalties
• Vehicle may be impounded

After Suspension Period

1. Visit Dubai Police or RTA after suspension ends
2. Complete any required training courses
3. Pay any outstanding fines
4. Retrieve your license

Reducing Black Points

Wait for Expiration

• Points automatically expire after 12 months
• No action required – just avoid new violations

Attend Driving Courses

Dubai Police occasionally offers:

• Traffic awareness courses
• Defensive driving programs
• These may reduce points (check with Dubai Police for availability)

Tips to Avoid Black Points

1. Follow speed limits – Speeding is the most common cause of black points
2. Never use your phone – 4 points plus AED 800 fine
3. Always wear seatbelt – 4 points plus AED 400 fine
4. Stop at red lights – Red light violations carry 12 points
5. Don't drink and drive – DUI results in 23 points and criminal charges

Black Points for Rental Cars

When driving a rental car:

• Black points go to the registered driver
• Rental company will charge you for fines
• Points remain on your record even after returning the car

Black Points and License Renewal

• License can be renewed with black points on record
• Accumulating 24 points suspends your license regardless of renewal status
• After license revocation (4th suspension), you must restart the licensing process

Frequently Asked Questions

Do black points affect my insurance?

Yes, accumulating black points can:

• Increase your insurance premium
• Result in policy rejection by some insurers
• Affect no-claims bonus

Can tourists get black points?

Yes, tourists driving in Dubai receive black points on their international/home license record with Dubai Police. This may affect future driving in the UAE.

Are black points shared across emirates?

Black points are managed at the federal level, so violations in any emirate affect your national driving record.

Can I check someone else's black points?

No, black points information is private and can only be accessed by the license holder.

Conclusion

The black points system is a crucial part of Dubai's road safety framework. By understanding how points accumulate and their consequences, you can make better decisions on the road and maintain a clean driving record.

Always drive responsibly and remember that avoiding black points isn't just about avoiding penalties – it's about keeping yourself and others safe on the road.