Dubai has one of the most developed public transport networks among the rest of the Emirates, which is overseen by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). But it is very important to understand that in addition to being able to travel comfortably and quickly in and around the emirate, all visitors and foreign residents, as well as locals, must comply with certain rules and decency of movement when using public transport services, otherwise violations of these standards and the established rules may result in a fine. In this article, we have decided to put together a guide on fines on public transport in Dubai, for users of the RTA’s metro, tram and buses. You will be able to find out which violations will result in fines, the cost of the fines, as well as how and where to pay them.

Public Transport in Dubai

Dubai public transport is managed by the Road and Transport Authority (RTA). One can pay to travel on public transport with a Nol card, which is a smart card used to pay for various kinds of transport options in Dubai, including:

<ul><li>Dubai Metro</li><li>Dubai Tram</li><li>Public buses</li><li>RTA Taxi</li><li>Water buses &amp; Ferries</li><li>Parking spaces</li></ul>

Nol cards are a convenient way to pay for travel without having to constantly purchase tickets every time you wish to use the metro, tram or bus. To reveal the balance of the card and check the history of transactions, card holders should visit the RTA website.

Dubai Bus Fines

Over 1,500 public buses run throughout Dubai on about 100 routes. Passengers are provided with air conditioning, digital screens with details of the route, as well as designated areas for People of Determination. A fine of AED 100 (USD 27) is given to those:

<ul><li>Using equipment which can annoy other passengers and danger their safety</li><li>Sitting in the areas which are made for specific categories, such as female areas</li><li>Eating &amp; drinking in the prohibited areas</li><li>Opening the bus’s door or leaving them open during the movement of the vehicle</li><li>Spitting, littering and doing other actions which can contaminate public transport vehicles and facilities</li></ul>

A fine of AED 200 (USD 54) is given for violations on Dubai buses, such as:

<ul><li>Using a third party, expired or fake cards</li><li>Using public transport which enters fare zones without paying the due price</li><li>Destroying seats, tools and systems of buses</li><li>Causing inconvenience to other passengers</li><li>Taking weapons, inflammable objects and sharp materials</li><li>Smoking inside buses and public transport facilities</li><li>Taking alcohol inside buses and on any public transport service</li><li>Advertising &amp; promoting something in the public transport modes, as well as selling goods inside them</li></ul>

Moreover, a fine of AED 300 (USD 82) is given to those sleeping in undesigned places and in passenger bus shelters. A person can also get a fine of AED 500 (USD 136) for selling Nol cards without the permission of RTA. Note: It might be more convenient to travel through Dubai using a private vehicle. This will not only save you time, but will allow you the opportunity to enjoy one of the best road systems in the world. You can learn more about the Emirati driving license for foreigners in this article.

Dubai Metro Fines

Dubai metro spans nearly 90 km and is one of the fastest ways to travel through the emirate. The metro system is divided into seven fare zones, and the total price of one trip is calculated on the number of zones travelled through. As for the main penalties, for which a fine of AED 100 (USD 27) can be applied, are:

<ul><li>Sitting in the areas which are made for specific categories</li><li>Eating &amp; drinking in the prohibited areas</li><li>Causing inconvenience to other passengers</li><li>Entering into restricted areas ignoring the warning signs</li><li>Misusing elevators &amp; escalators</li><li>Putting feet on seats</li><li>Bringing animals except for guide dogs for blind people</li><li>Using equipment which can annoy other passengers and danger their safety</li><li>Opening the doors or trying to leave the train while it is moving</li><li>Climbing &amp; jumping while boarding the train</li></ul>

The fine of AED 200 (USD 54) can be applied to persons with the following actions:

<ul><li>Going on public transport which enter fare zones without paying the due price</li><li>Using a card designed for others, expired &amp; invalid cards</li><li>Spitting, littering and doing other actions which can contaminate public transport vehicles and facilities</li><li>Smoking inside trains &amp; public transport facilities</li><li>Selling or advertising any goods</li><li>Ignoring &amp; breaking the rules posted on signboards</li></ul>

A fine of AED 300 (USD 82) will be given to those sleeping in passenger shelters or other places where it is prohibited. If using a counterfeit card or carrying alcohol, the individual will get a fine of AED 500 (USD 136). Misusing the emergency buttons, safety devices and tools including emergency exits, will lead to a penalty of AED 2,000 (USD 545). Note: After visiting the UAE as a tourist, a lot of people start thinking about moving to this country on a permanent basis. About 200,000 new arrivals come to Dubai every year. You can find more information about the documents which are needed for moving to Dubai in this article.

Dubai Tram Fines

Dubai Tram is an essential part of the Dubai public transport system which connects the Palm Monorail and Dubai Metro, and runs along Al Sufouh Road and Jumeirah Beach Road. A fine of AED 100 (USD 27) is given to persons:

<ul><li>Causing inconvenience to other passengers</li><li>Sitting in the areas which are made for specific categories</li><li>Eating &amp; drinking in the prohibited areas</li><li>Standing &amp; sitting in non-passenger areas</li><li>Putting feet on seats</li><li>Bringing animals except from dogs for blind persons</li><li>Misusing elevators &amp; escalators</li></ul>

Those carrying out the following actions must pay AED 200 (USD 54):

<ul><li>Using a card designed for others, as well as expired and invalid cards</li><li>Selling or advertising any goods</li><li>Failing to comply with the instructions of the inspectors or personnel</li><li>Spitting, littering and doing other actions which can contaminate public transport vehicles and facilities</li><li>Smoking inside trains &amp; public transport facilities</li><li>Causing any distraction to a driver</li><li>Ignoring &amp; breaking the rules posted on signboards</li></ul>

A fine of AED 2,000 (USD 545) is given to those:

<ul><li>Misusing the emergency buttons</li><li>Using safety devices &amp; tools including emergency exits when it’s not necessary</li><li>Affecting the safety of the tram &amp; infrastructure</li></ul>

Those driving through a red light over the tram lines without causing an accident on the roads must pay AED 5,000 (USD 1,360). A fine of AED 30,000 (USD 8,170) is issued for  actions that lead to death, while the penalty of AED 15,000 (USD 4,085) is given to those who caused an accident leading to an injury. Note: Apart from the developed public transport, Dubai attracts foreigners due to the warm climate, its many job and business opportunities, high level of safety, education and healthcare systems, as well as other reasons, which will allow you to experience a comfortable waterfront and city lifestyle.

How to Check Public Transport Fines

The customer must appeal the fine within 30 days after receiving it, if they want to challenge it. Public transport fines in Dubai are issued against the Emirates ID or international passport of the individual.

RTA Buses

For RTA bus fines, offenders can take a fine number, pay it and get a receipt in one of four Customer Happiness Centers:

<ul><li>Al Kifaf</li><li>Al Manara</li><li>Al Barsha</li><li>Al Twar</li></ul>

Another option is Al Qusais Bus Station. To save you time, you can also pay a fine directly to the inspector, as well as save AED 20 (USD 5,45), which is known as the ‘Knowledge and Innovation Fee’ and should be paid in addition to the fine at centers.

RTA Dubai Metro or Dubai Tram

If you get a fine on the Dubai Metro or Dubai Tram, there are several ways for you to pay them:

<ul><li>Customer Happiness Centers</li><li>Directly to the inspector after the fine is issued</li><li>Moreover, with the development of new payment methods, one can also pay public transport fines online through the RTA or the Dubai Police websites or apps.</li></ul>

Note: If you are planning to move to Dubai and wish to get a great number of benefits including the possibility to stay in the emirate for as long as you want, an Emirates ID and a driver’s license, you need to purchase a property costing from AED 750,000 (USD 205,000) to get an investor visa.

Can I Dispute Fines?

There is an opportunity to dispute fines. The outcome will be sent to you in up to 14 working days. This can be done through the call center:

<ul><li>Contact the call center on 8009090</li><li>Follow the voice instructions</li><li>You will be transferred to the customer service center to provide personal information and details of the violation</li><li>You will receive an SMS from <a href="https://www.rta.ae/wps/portal/rta/ae/home" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">RTA</a> with the case number and the expected date of response</li></ul>

Another option to dispute the fine is via email:

<ul><li>Send an email with the title Fine Appeal to ask@rta.ae with the appropriate attached documents</li><li>You will receive an SMS from RTA with the case number and the expected date of response</li></ul>

How Can We Help?

Metropolitan Premium Properties provides services for the purchase/sale and rental of residential and commercial properties. Providing full support at all stages of the transaction, our brokers will advise you on the real estate market in the Emirate and help you to choose the best investment project and area, as well as providing legal advice and, if necessary, assistance in obtaining a mortgage. In addition, we are ready to assist you in obtaining and processing an investor visa for 3, 5 or 10 years by investing in Dubai real estate. If you are interested in buying a property, contact our brokers for advice and the best choice of property for living and investment.