How to Release Your Impounded Vehicle in Dubai: A Step-by-Step Guide

A black color small car on road

The process of releasing an impounded car in Dubai may be very tricky, even to people who know very little about local rules and actions. Be it a regulation violation or an expired license, it is always important to know what exactly needs to be done once your automobile has been impounded.

In this detailed guide, I will guide you through the complete steps on how to retrieve your impounded vehicle in the city of Dubai, arming you with the necessary information that you will use in retrieving your vehicle with ease.

Reason for Impoundment

The release procedure of your impounded vehicle begins with knowing the reason your car was impounded. Typical causes are:

  • Traffic Violations: Speeding, reckless driving, or other traffic offences.
  • Expired Registration: Driving with an expired vehicle registration.
  • Parking Violations: Prohibited parking and parking areas.
  • Outstanding Fines: The fines due that have not been paid.

Determining the cause will also help you know the exact requirements for releasing your vehicle.

Through the mOI Website

1. Apply via MOI

Applicants can log in to moi.gov.ae or the MOI mobile app. Then, the applicants can use the service to release a vehicle that has been impounded after adding vehicle details.

MOI website Dubai homepage

2. Clear All Dues

Pay all of your traffic fines; impound charges, and make sure that you have served the legal impound time. Free ticket for your motor car, in case of mortgage.

Go to Issuing Certificate for Releasing Impounded Vehicles service

3. Submit Documents & Pay Fees

Submit a driving license and vehicle registration.

Go to Payment of Vehicle Impound Period services section

4. Get Release Certificate & Collect Vehicle

Download the release certificate that is issued immediately (within a few minutes). Deliver it to the impound yard to recover your car

Gather Necessary Documentation

Before visiting the impound yard, and to have all the necessary documents at the ready:

  • Driver’s License: A valid UAE driver’s license.
  • Vehicle Registration Card (Mulkiya): Proof of vehicle ownership.
  • Insurance Documents: Valid car insurance papers.
  • Emirates ID: A copy of your Emirates ID for verification.
  • Impoundment Notice: Any notice or receipt given by the authorities at the time of impoundment.

Settle Outstanding Fines and Penalties

Your vehicle will be released once all your fines and penalties have been paid. This may be done by alternate channels:

  • Dubai Police Website: Visit the Dubai Police website and go to traffic services to make payment of your fines online.
  • Dubai Police App: Easy and fast payment with the Dubai Police mobile app.
  • Smart Police Stations (SPS): Head to any Smart Police Station in Dubai, which is operational 24 hrs a day, and pay the fine in person.

Make sure that any fines are paid, and get a receipt or confirmation that they have.

Visit the Traffic Department

Pay all fines, and go to the nearest Dubai Traffic Department to get started with the release process. Give the officers the needed documents and payment receipts. Your vehicle is then released on a release order issued by the Traffic Department.

Head to the Impound Yard

After you have the release order, go to the impound yard where your vehicle is impounded. There are numerous impound yards in Dubai, so be sure you are in the right one. When at the impound yard, exhibit the release order and any necessary identification to the staff.

Pay the Impound Fees

Such fees are also dependent on the length of time your car has been impounded and other variables. Make sure that you carry some money in order to pay these fees, which you can pay directly at the impound yard.

Inspect Your Vehicle

Examine your vehicle well before driving away to make sure they were in the same condition it was in at the time of impounding. Inspect the condition of your car and files to note any damages or missing items, and report this to the staff of the impound yard immediately.

Update Your Records

Once you have your vehicle back, update any records necessary, e.g., renewing your vehicle registration where necessary. Make sure that all the papers are handled in order to prevent complications in the future.

FAQS

How to release an impounded vehicle in Dubai?

Pay all fines and fees, then complete the impound time. After that, you will be able to apply through moi.gov.ae or the MOI app. Submit your license, registration, and pay AED 100 to receive the release certificate and your car.

What does smart impound mean in Dubai Police?

Smart Impound allows you to put your car at home as opposed to being impounded in front of the police station. A tracking device is fitted, thus saving your time and storage expenses at the same time, serving the impound period.

What is the confiscation period in Dubai?

It is the fixed duration that your car spends in an impoundment in the event of a traffic violation. It varies depending on the crime, but a week or a few months. Check on the exact time of the operation on the MOI or Dubai Police services.

Read Also: 15 Best Bike Insurance in UAE

Closing

Impounded car release is a process that comprises carefully formulated procedures to be followed to the letter that need thorough detail attention, including adherence to local rules. With the help of the knowledge of the cause of impoundment, the required paperwork, payment of the late payment fee, and adherence to the recommended steps, you can easily redeem your vehicle.

Be aware of the local traffic laws and regulations at all times to avert future cases of impoundment in the future and to have an easy time driving within the city of Dubai.

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