TL;DR

Dubai residents must now settle all outstanding traffic fines before renewing or issuing their residency visas, under a newly piloted system launched by Dubai’s immigration and road transport authorities. This initiative is being spearheaded by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in coordination with the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).Accoring to reports, the rule has not been rolled out universally across all government touchpoints yet but is actively being trialled at several visa service centres, excluding the GDRFA centre at Dubai Airport. The GDRFA confirmed that the system is still in the pilot phase and is being implemented gradually.This means that any Dubai resident with unpaid traffic fines will be prompted to clear them before they can complete their visa transactions. The goal, according to officials, is not to impose restrictions but to reinforce accountability and encourage lawful conduct among residents. The system has been structured to avoid disruption, allowing payment in full or through instalment plans, depending on the individual’s situation.

System Designed with Flexibility and Convenience

Officials say the system is intended to be fair and manageable. Residents with large pending fines can opt to pay them off in instalments. Flexibility is a key feature of the initiative, which has been developed after extensive internal reviews and the assessment of thousands of individual cases.To make the process smooth and accessible, RTA has upgraded its digital services, integrating Tabby, a payment platform, into all its digital channels. These include the RTA website, RTA app, nol Pay app, and previously installed smart kiosks. Residents can now pay for up to 170 services, including traffic fines, vehicle licence renewals, and driving licence transactions, through Tabby’s instalment system.Tabby enables users to divide their payments into up to four instalments, significantly reducing the financial burden of lump-sum fines. The feature also covers purchases of vehicle number plates, providing added convenience across a wider range of services.

Policy Meant to Promote Responsibility, Not Punishment

Authorities have emphasised that the move is not meant to penalise residents but rather to encourage them to take responsibility for their actions and adhere to local laws. GDRFA leadership underscored that individuals who wish to live and work in Dubai are expected to follow the country’s rules and regulations.Failure to clear dues could lead to complications in the future, including difficulties when trying to exit the country. For example, individuals with fines still pending after several years might face obstacles at the time of departure, potentially being stopped at immigration checkpoints.Residents who visit GDRFA centres for visa-related services will be guided through the traffic fine settlement process. Authorities have ensured that the new approach remains resident-friendly, with the system designed to inform, assist, and offer solutions, not deny services outright.

Not a New Concept, But Now More Digitally Integrated

This is not the first time UAE authorities have explored the idea of linking fines with residency services. As far back as 2014, the Ministry of Interior had floated a similar initiative where traffic fines were tied to visa renewal processes.However, the current system differs by providing digital convenience, wider integration, and structured payment options, all supported by RTA’s tech-driven platforms. The enhanced ease of access makes compliance far more manageable today than it may have been in previous years.As the system moves out of its pilot phase, broader implementation is expected in the coming months. Residents are advised to regularly check for any outstanding violations and resolve them early to avoid delays in their visa procedures.Q: Do I need to pay all my traffic fines before renewing my Dubai visa?Yes, under the new system, you must clear outstanding fines before your visa can be renewed or issued.Q:Can I pay in instalments if my fines are high?Yes, you can split payments using Tabby across RTA’s digital platforms.Q: Is this rule applied everywhere in Dubai?Not yet, it’s in the pilot phase and doesn’t apply at Dubai Airport’s GDRFA centre.Q: Where can I pay my fines digitally? You can use the RTA website, app, nol Pay app, or smart kiosks for digital payments.