How to Remove Black Points from Your UAE Driving License (2026 Guide)

Quick answer: You can remove black points from a UAE driving license in five legitimate ways: (1) take a police-approved traffic points reduction course, which removes up to 8 points once a year; (2) join the Ministry of Interior's annual Accident-Free Day campaign, which removes 4 points for free; (3) wait 12 months for the points to expire; (4) transfer the points to the person who was actually driving; or (5) dispute a violation you believe is wrong. Paying a fine — even with a discount — does not remove black points. If you reach 24 points within 12 months, your license is suspended for 3 months the first time, 6 months the second time, and 1 year the third time.

Key Takeaways

• The UAE limit is 24 black points within 12 months. Reach it and your license is suspended.

• Each point stays on your record for 12 months from the date of the violation, then drops off automatically.

• Reduction courses in Dubai and Abu Dhabi remove up to 8 points, once per year, for a fee (they are not free).

• Accident-Free Day removes 4 points for free once a year, around the first day of school.

• Fine discounts do not touch your points. A 35% early-payment discount lowers what you pay, not your point total.

• Black points are linked to the driver's license, not the car — but unpaid fines on a car can still block you from selling or transferring it.

What Are Black Points on a UAE Driving License?

Black points (also called traffic points) are penalty points added to your driving license when you commit a serious traffic violation. They work alongside fines, not instead of them. Minor offences, such as most parking violations or driving up to 20 km/h over the limit, usually bring a fine only. More dangerous behaviour — jumping a red light, using your phone, reckless driving — brings a fine and black points, and sometimes vehicle impoundment.

The system is federal, so it applies in every emirate: Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Umm Al Quwain and Fujairah. Violations are recorded by the police force of the emirate where they happen (Dubai Police, Abu Dhabi Police, and so on) and are linked to your traffic file. Since 29 March 2025, traffic offences are governed by Federal Decree-Law No. 14 of 2024, which replaced the old 1995 traffic law and made serious offences such as drink-driving much tougher.

Why it matters: points build up quietly. Two phone-use fines, one tailgating fine and one red-light violation in the same year already put you at 24 points — enough for a suspension.

UAE Black Points List 2026: Common Violations, Fines and Points

The table below covers the violations UAE drivers get caught for most often. Figures follow the current federal traffic schedule; always confirm the exact amount on your fine notice, as some emirates apply local rules for specific roads.

Note on drink-driving: under the 2024 traffic law, driving under the influence is a criminal offence handled by the courts, with heavy fines, possible imprisonment and licence suspension. It is not treated as a simple points violation.

What Happens When You Reach 24 Black Points?

Once you hit 24 points within a 12-month period, your license is seized and suspended. Penalties increase each time it happens:

Other things to know:

• Probationary (new) drivers face stricter rules. Police in some emirates, such as Ras Al Khaimah, have explained that reaching the limit twice on a probationary license can lead to cancellation, with a waiting period before you can retest.

• You must hand in your license when it is suspended. Failing to do so brings additional fines.

• Abu Dhabi offers a reinstatement course for drivers whose license was withdrawn after 24 points (more on this below).

• Suspension affects more than driving. It can raise your car insurance premium, complicate car rental, and cause problems if you drive for work.

How to Check Black Points on Your UAE Driving License

Check your points at least once a month, especially if you drive daily. Most drivers get an SMS within a couple of days of a violation, but messages can be missed.

Dubai license holders

Dubai Police app (fastest)

1. Download the Dubai Police app from the App Store or Google Play.

2. Log in with UAE PASS.

3. Tap your profile icon (top right) and open Traffic.

4. Your traffic file shows the number of fines, black points, amounts due and expiry dates.

Dubai Police website

1. Go to dubaipolice.gov.ae and open Services → Traffic Services.

2. Choose fines or black points inquiry.

3. Enter your Emirates ID, license number or traffic file number and search.

Phone: call the Dubai Police non-emergency line 901 and follow the traffic services prompts.

Abu Dhabi license holders

1. Open the TAMM app or website and log in with UAE PASS.

2. Go to My TAMM → My Vehicles (or the traffic section).

3. Swipe to the Black Points widget to see your total.

Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Umm Al Quwain and Fujairah

Use the MOI UAE app or the Ministry of Interior portal (moi.gov.ae). Log in with UAE PASS and open traffic services to view fines and black points for your license.

How to Remove or Reduce Black Points: 7 Legitimate Methods

1. Take the Dubai Police Traffic Points Reduction Course

Dubai Police run an official awareness course at the Traffic Institute in Al Barsha. Passing it removes up to 8 black points, and you can use it once per year.

• Eligibility: commonly reported as drivers with more than 8 and fewer than 24 points, with no outstanding fines.

• Cost: not free. The fee is widely reported at around AED 810–820. Confirm the current fee in the app before booking.

• How to book: open the Dubai Police app → Services → Traffic → Traffic training / black points reduction course, choose a date and pay.

Tip: don't wait until you are at 20 points. Book as soon as you are eligible, because one more serious violation could push you over 24 before your course date.

2. Join the Abu Dhabi Police Points Reduction Programme

Abu Dhabi Police, through the Police Follow-up and Aftercare Department, offer two services:

• Points reduction: removes up to 8 points for drivers with fewer than 24 points, once a year.

• License reinstatement: for drivers whose license was withdrawn after reaching 24 points, by completing an educational course and paying a fee.

Classes are offered in Arabic, English and Urdu. Abu Dhabi Police also run time-limited programmes at malls and exhibitions; a recent edition charged around AED 800 for points reduction and AED 2,400 for license reinstatement. Book through TAMM or the Abu Dhabi Police channels.

3. Register for Accident-Free Day (Free – 4 Points)

Every year, the Ministry of Interior runs the "A Day Without Accidents" campaign on the first day of the school year. It is the only completely free way to remove points.

How it worked in 2026:

1. Registration opened on 17 August 2026 through the MOI website and its official social media link.

2. Drivers signed an online safe-driving pledge.

3. On 31 August 2026, participants had to drive with no violations and no accidents.

4. Those who qualified had 4 points deducted automatically, reported for 25 September 2026, and received a certificate by email.

The next edition is expected around the start of the 2027–28 school year. Follow MOI's social media from early August so you don't miss registration.

4. Let Your Points Expire

Black points stay active for 12 months from the date of each violation, then drop off automatically. If you are well below 24, simply driving carefully for a year will clear your record. Check the expiry date of each violation in your app so you know exactly when your total will fall.

5. Transfer Points to the Person Who Was Driving

Camera violations are recorded against the vehicle owner. If a friend, family member or employee was driving your car, the points can be moved to their license.

• Abu Dhabi: use TAMM → Transfer Black Points, enter the actual driver's license number and submit. The other driver must accept.

• Dubai: visit a Dubai Police service centre with the actual driver. Bring both Emirates IDs, both licenses and the fine details; the driver must confirm in writing that they committed the violation.

Transfers are for genuine cases only. Taking points for someone else when you were not driving is a false statement to the police.

6. Dispute a Fine You Believe Is Wrong

If a violation was recorded by mistake — a cloned plate, a wrong vehicle, or a car you had already sold — file an objection with the police force that issued it. In Dubai this is done through the Dubai Police app or website, commonly within 30 days of the fine. Attach evidence such as photos, rental or sale contracts, or dashcam footage. If the objection is accepted, both the fine and its points are cancelled.

7. Stop New Points Before They Start

The cheapest method is not getting points in the first place:

• Use cruise control on Sheikh Zayed Road, E11 and E311 — most radars are set for the posted limit.

• Put your phone in a mount and on Do Not Disturb before you start the engine. Holding it at a red light still counts.

• Keep a two-second gap, more in fog or sandstorms.

• Never overtake from the hard shoulder and always move for ambulances.

• Set up alerts in the Dubai Police, TAMM or MOI app so you see every violation the same day.

Common Myths About Black Points

"Paying the fine removes the points." False. Payment settles the fine only. Points stay for 12 months.

"Ramadan or National Day discounts wipe points." False. Seasonal and early-payment discounts (such as Dubai's 35% off within 60 days) reduce the fine amount, not your points. Point reductions only come through official campaigns like Accident-Free Day.

"Reduction courses are free." Usually false. Dubai and Abu Dhabi courses carry a fee. Only Accident-Free Day is free.

"Agents can remove points for a fee." False and risky. Points can only be reduced through the official police and MOI channels listed above.

"Points move with the car when I sell it." False. Points stay on the driver's license. However, unpaid fines registered on the vehicle must be cleared before ownership can be transferred.

Black Points, Fines and Selling Your Car in the UAE

If you're planning to sell your car, note the difference between points and fines. Black points stay with you as a driver. Traffic fines, on the other hand, are linked to the vehicle's file and must be paid before the RTA or TAMM will process a sale or transfer. Clear outstanding fines early, take advantage of any discount window, and keep the receipts.

For the full process, read our guide on how to transfer vehicle ownership in the UAE and our step-by-step guide to selling your car in Abu Dhabi. Ready to sell? Get a free car valuation from ExpatCarBuyers in minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many black points are allowed in the UAE?

You can carry up to 23 black points. Reaching 24 points within 12 months leads to license suspension.

How long do black points stay on a UAE license?

Each violation's points stay active for 12 months from the date of the violation, then expire automatically.

Can I remove black points online?

You can register for Accident-Free Day online, book the Dubai Police course in the app, and transfer points in Abu Dhabi through TAMM. The reduction courses themselves are usually attended in person.

How much does it cost to remove black points in Dubai?

The Dubai Police reduction course, which removes up to 8 points, is widely reported to cost around AED 810–820. Accident-Free Day is free.

How many times can I take the black points reduction course?

Once per year in Dubai and once per year in Abu Dhabi.

Does paying a traffic fine remove black points?

No. Paying a fine, including at a discount, does not change your black points.

Can I transfer black points to another driver?

Yes, if that person was genuinely driving your vehicle when the violation happened. In Abu Dhabi, use TAMM; in Dubai, visit a Dubai Police service centre with the actual driver.

What happens if I reach 24 black points?

Your license is suspended for 3 months the first time, 6 months the second time, and 1 year the third time, with retraining and a new test after the third suspension.

Do black points from Abu Dhabi count in Dubai?

Yes. The system is federal, so points from any emirate count towards the same 24-point limit on your license.

Do tourists get black points?

Visitors driving on a foreign or international license can still be fined. Points and related penalties are recorded against their traffic file in the UAE.

Conclusion

Black points are manageable if you act early. Check your total every month, book a reduction course as soon as you become eligible, register for Accident-Free Day every August, and transfer or dispute any points that aren't yours. Most importantly, the habits that keep points off your license — slower speeds, no phone, safe distance — also keep you and your family safe on UAE roads.

This guide is for general information and reflects publicly reported rules as of October 2026. Fees, eligibility and campaign dates can change, so always confirm on the official Dubai Police, TAMM or Ministry of Interior channels.