Dubai Police request motorists to complete vehicle registration / renewal on time in order to avoid impounding.

The strict measures follow a rise in fines due to expired registrations, which also include discovery of expired registration if vehicle is pulled over for any other reason. The number of fines for expired registration from January till June this year is 11,294.

A spokesman from Dubai Traffic Police has cited immediate-need-basis for the high number of expired registrations. Motorists are more regular with renewal of insurance policies than vehicle registration as the insurance has a direct impact on personal protection in case of accidents. Other reasons for non-renewal include high amounts of accumulated fines. Police are urging motorists to register vehicles before expiration and pay fines on time to avoid accumulation and possible impoundment.

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) website contains ample information for motorists on the legal requirements. Motorists are notified of expiration via an SMS. A request for renewal can be sent thirty days prior to the date of expiry. Moreover, RTA also allows for a 30 day grace period to encourage motorists to renew punctually after which a late fee surcharge is applicable.

A fine of Dh400 is applicable if a vehicle registration is not renewed on time.