Any driver, including those in Abu Dhabi for instance, needs to have some understanding of the concept of external fines as they drive in the UAE. External fines are penalties that are given for violation of laws that are committed in a different emirate but are still recognized and enforced in Abu Dhabi. The following article is going to give you comprehensive information about a thing known as External Fines in Abu Dhabi, how it works, and how to deal with it.
What are External Fines?
External fines refer to penalties imposed for violations that happen outside the jurisdiction of Abu Dhabi but are still recorded and enforceable within the emirate. For instance, if your vehicle is registered in Abu Dhabi and you break the law and get into an accident in another emirate or another country, the fine can be recorded in your file in Abu Dhabi.
Key Aspects of External Fines
- Jurisdiction: Severe fines are for offenses committed outside Abu Dhabi. Some of these offenses may occur in other emirates or in other countries.
- Enforcement: However, these fines apply even if your vehicle is registered in Abu Dhabi, which implies that they have to be paid regardless of the actual place of the violation.
- Types of Violations: These fines are charged freely for reasons such as traffic infringements, parking offenses, and the rest. Some of these violations are normally reported in other emirates but they appear on your vehicle registration in Abu Dhabi.
Common Scenarios for External Fines
Now that we’ve established what external fines are, let’s explore some common scenarios where these fines may apply. Whether you’re driving between Emirates or traveling internationally, it’s important to be aware of the regulations that could lead to penalties.
1. Traffic Violations
Common external fines include fines given to a holder for a traffic violation. This means that if you are involved in a traffic offense in an area other than Abu Dhabi, for instance, speeding or running a red light, the fine registered will be associated with your vehicle that is registered in Abu Dhabi.
Common Traffic Violations Leading to External Fines:
- Speeding: Some of the highways between the emirates contain speed cameras that are used to track vehicle speed. Getting involved in a speeding violation in Dubai, Sharjah, or any other emirates, attracts an external fine that shall appear on your Abu Dhabi car registration.
- Running a Red Light: This is a very serious violation. If you violate the traffic light while operating in another of the emirates, the fine will be reflected in Abu Dhabi.
- Seatbelt Offenses: Failure to wear a seatbelt, even in another emirate, can result in a fine recorded in Abu Dhabi.
2. Parking Violations
Another situation when you may get external fines is a parking violation. For instance, if you fail to park properly in Dubai or Sharjah then the fine given there can be transferred to your account in Abu Dhabi.
Parking Violations Leading to External Fines:
- Illegal Parking: Failure to adhere to parking regulations, particularly in restricted areas or other emirates, may lead to the accumulation of a fine on your record in Abu Dhabi.
- Unpaid Parking Fees: Forgetting to pay for parking in the other emirates may lead to an external fine being incurred.
3. Other Offenses
While traffic and parking violations are among the most prevalent circumstances leading to external fines, other violations can also result in fines. These might include some criminal activities that happened in other areas apart from Abu Dhabi but are associated with the car or your identity.
Examples of Other Offenses Leading to External Fines:
- Environmental Violations: On some occasions, the fine resulting from littering or any other offense relating to the environment in another emirate may lead to the accumulation of points on your record.
- Commercial Offenses: If you are a business owner and violate a law related to your commercial vehicle, this may also result in an external fine.
How to Check and Pay External Fines
Once you have a better understanding of external fines, the next step is learning how to check and pay them. Abu Dhabi offers several convenient methods to help you manage these fines without the need for complicated paperwork.
1. Checking External Fines
It is quite simple to check for external fines through several platforms. Whether you are a user of online services or have in-person visits, Abu Dhabi ensures that it is easy for you to be aware of the fines that you may be charged.
Methods to Check External Fines:
- Online: The most convenient method of checking the fines is by going to the official website of Abu Dhabi Police. To search for any external fines, you can use your vehicle registration details or traffic file number. The other way available for people to check fines is through a mobile application developed by the Abu Dhabi Police.
- In Person: If you do not wish to prompt an answer online, you can move physically to any traffic police station in Abu Dhabi. Just input your vehicle information, and they will let you know about any outstanding external fines.
2. Paying External Fines
After you have verified your fines, you should ensure that you make the necessary payments so that you do not attract more fines. This is because there are several payment options, which can be used to make the required payments in order to clear the fines easily.
Methods to Pay External Fines:
- Online Payment: You can pay fines directly through the Abu Dhabi Police website or mobile app. Payments can be made using a credit or debit card.
- At Traffic Police Stations: You can also visit any traffic police station in Abu Dhabi to pay fines in person. This may be necessary for larger fines or if you have disputes to resolve.
Consequences of Unpaid External Fines
Failing to pay external fines in a timely manner can have serious consequences. Abu Dhabi authorities take unpaid fines seriously, and the penalties for ignoring them can extend beyond just the fine itself.
1. Vehicle Seizure
Another serious effect of unpaid external fines is the possible confiscation of your car. In the worst-case scenario where fines are unpaid for a long time, authorities will take action to confiscate the car until the fines are paid.
2. Driving License Suspension
Another possible outcome that may occur is the cancellation of the driving license. If you get too many unpaid fines, your license may be confiscated, thus you are not allowed to legally drive in Abu Dhabi or any of the emirates.
3. Difficulty Renewing Your Visa
The unpaid fines also cause problems for the renewal of visas in the countries where the person is present. The authorities can refuse to extend the visa until all fines are paid, which can be a problem for staying in the country.
Disputing External Fines
It is equally possible that sometimes you may find that a fine has been charged unfairly. Fortunately, Abu Dhabi offers a method through which you can challenge the external fines which means you present your case and the fine can be withdrawn.
1. Steps to Dispute an External Fine
If you believe a fine is incorrect, you can follow these steps to dispute it:
Steps for Dispute:
- Gather Evidence: Gather any data that you can use to defend yourself, including photos, statements of witnesses, or any other documents proving that you were not violating the rules.
- Submit a Complaint: You have to go to the official website of Abu Dhabi Police or the local traffic police station to lodge your complaint. Submit the materials you have gathered and explain why in your opinion the fine is unjustified.
- Wait for Investigation: Once you file your complaint, the authorities will work on your case and they will look into the fine. For this reason, they may have the fine withdrawn if they discover that it was given in the wrong context.
2. When to Dispute an External Fine
It’s important to know when disputing a fine is appropriate. Only dispute a fine if you are confident that it was issued in error or if you have solid evidence to back up your claim.
Common Reasons for Disputing a Fine:
- You were not present: If the violation happened in a place you were not, then you have the right to challenge the fine.
- Incorrect Details: If the vehicle details on the fine do not match your car, you can provide evidence to have the fine removed.
Read Also: Update Your Dubai DU ID Fast: Easy Steps & Tips
Conclusion
There are certain fines associated with driving and vehicle ownership anywhere in the world including Abu Dhabi. This knowledge helps you steer clear of penalties when it comes to them, and maintain a smooth driving process when using them. It is advisable to check for fines routinely, and to pay fines on time when owed; however one should contest fines that one does not agree with.
