How to Check If Car is Impounded in Dubai?

If you’re a driver in Dubai, there’s always a chance you might face the unfortunate situation of having your car impounded due to traffic violations, unpaid fines, or other legal issues. Knowing how to check if your car is impounded and what to do next, is crucial to avoid additional fees and penalties. 

Let’s discuss the latest methods to verify your car’s impound status in Dubai, along with tips to resolve the situation efficiently.

Why Might Your Car Be Impounded in Dubai?

Before writing "how-to," it’s worth understanding why your vehicle might be impounded in the first place. Dubai enforces strict traffic laws to ensure road safety, and violations can lead to serious consequences. Common reasons for car impoundment include:

• Excessive Speeding: Speeding well over the limit can result in impoundment for up to 60 days.
• Reckless Driving: Actions like tailgating, running red lights, or aggressive overtaking may lead to immediate seizure.
• Driving Under the Influence: Operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a severe offense with impoundment as a penalty.
• Unpaid Traffic Fines: Accumulating fines without payment can trigger impoundment.
• Expired Registration: Vehicles with expired documentation risk being towed after a grace period.
• Abandonment: Cars left in public parking lots or neglected for extended periods may be seized by authorities.

How to Check If Your Car Is Impounded in Dubai?

Dubai Police and the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) provide multiple convenient ways to check your vehicle’s status. Whether you prefer online tools, mobile apps, or in-person visits, here are the latest methods:

1. Check Online via the Dubai Police Website

The Dubai Police website is one of the fastest and most reliable ways to check if your car has been impounded.

• Step 1: Visit the official Dubai Police website at www.dubaipolice.gov.ae.
• Step 2: Log in using your UAE Pass (a digital ID for UAE residents) or proceed as a guest.
• Step 3: Navigate to the Traffic Services section from the homepage.
• Step 4: Select Traffic Fines Inquiry or Impound Status Check.
• Step 5: Enter your vehicle details, such as your license plate number, Emirates ID, or traffic file number.
• Step 6: Submit the information. The portal will display your car’s status, including any fines, impoundment reasons, and whether it’s currently impounded.

2. Use the Dubai Police Mobile App

For those who prefer checking on the go, the Dubai Police app is a user-friendly alternative.

• Step 1: Download the app from IOS or Android by searching for “Dubai Police.”
• Step 2: Open the app and log in with your UAE Pass or as a guest.
• Step 3: Go to the Traffic Services section.
• Step 4: Select Impound Status Check.
• Step 5: Input your vehicle’s plate number or traffic file number.
• Step 6: Review the results, which will indicate if your car is impounded and provide details like location and fines.

3. Contact Dubai Police via Phone

If you don’t have internet access or prefer speaking to someone, you can call Dubai Police directly.

• Phone Number: Dial 901 (Dubai Police non-emergency line).
• What to Provide: Be ready with your vehicle’s plate number, Emirates ID, or traffic file number.
• What to Expect: An officer will confirm whether your car is impounded and provide further instructions.

4. Visit a Dubai Police Station in Person

For a hands-on approach, you can visit a police station or the Dubai Traffic Department.

• Location: The main Dubai Traffic Department is in Al Twar 1, but any major police station can assist.
• What to Bring: Your Emirates ID, driver’s license, and vehicle registration details.
• Process: Approach the information desk, provide your details, and an officer will check the system for impoundment status.

What to Do If Your Car Is Impounded?

Once you’ve confirmed your car is impounded, the next step is to resolve the situation. Here’s how:

1. Check Outstanding Fines

Before your car can be released, all associated traffic fines must be cleared.

• Online: Use the Dubai Police website or app (Traffic Fines Inquiry section) to view and pay fines with a credit/debit card.
• In-Person: Visit a police station to settle dues.

2. Understand the Impound Period

Impoundment periods vary based on the violation:

• Minor offenses: 7–30 days.
• Serious violations (e.g., speeding or reckless driving): Up to 60 days.
• Driving without a number plate: 90 days.

3. Pay Impound Fees

Additional fees apply for towing and storage:

• Towing Charge: Around AED 500.
• Daily Storage Fee: AED 20–50 per day, depending on the vehicle type.
• Release Certificate: AED 100.

4. Consider the Smart Impound Option

Dubai offers a “Smart Impound” service, allowing you to keep your car at home during the impound period with a GPS tracker installed.

• How to Apply: Request it via the Dubai Police website or app under Smart Impound.
• Cost: AED 420 (initial fee) + AED 100 per additional month.
• Benefit: Avoid towing and yard fees while complying with the impoundment.

5. Retrieve Your Vehicle

Once fines are paid and the impound period is complete:

• Visit the impound yard (e.g., Warsan 3 Dubai Police Impound Yard) or the Traffic Department.
• Present your Emirates ID, driver’s license, and payment receipts.
• Collect your car.

Tips to Avoid Car Impoundment in Dubai

Prevention is better than cure. Here’s how to stay on the right side of Dubai’s traffic laws:

• Pay Fines Promptly: Use the RTA or Dubai Police portals to check and settle fines regularly.
• Adhere to Speed Limits: Monitor speed limits, especially on new or unfamiliar roads.
• Avoid Reckless Behavior: Respect traffic signals and other drivers to prevent violations.
• Keep Documentation Updated: Renew your vehicle registration on time to avoid penalties.

FAQs

How Long Can a Car Be Impounded in Dubai?

Impoundment periods range from 7 to 90 days, depending on the violation’s severity. Check your specific case via the Dubai Police portal.

Can I Appeal an Impoundment?

Yes, you can appeal through Dubai Police or the Traffic Court if you believe the impoundment was unjust. Valid grounds and evidence are required.

What Happens If I Don’t Claim My Impounded Car?

If unclaimed after six months, your car may be auctioned off by Emirates Auction, with proceeds covering fines and fees.

Is There a Grace Period for Expired Registration?

Yes, Dubai allows a one-month grace period post-expiry before fines and impoundment kick in.