Black Points in Dubai: How They Work and How to Check Yours

If you drive in Dubai, sooner or later you will hear about black points. They are one of the main tools the authorities use to keep roads safe, and they can affect your right to drive. This guide explains what black points are, which violations cost the most, how long the points stay on your record and how to check yours in a few minutes.

What Are Black Points in Dubai?

Black points are a government system that penalises risky road behaviour. Every time you commit a serious traffic violation, points are added to your driving record on top of the usual fine.

You can accumulate up to 23 black points within a 12-month period. Once you reach 24 points, your driving licence is suspended. The suspension can last from 3 months to 1 year, depending on your prior offences.

Which Violations Carry Black Points?

Different offences add different numbers of points. The more dangerous the behaviour, the higher the penalty.

Violation	Black points
Driving with an expired driving licence	4
Driving against traffic	4
Parking in front of fire hydrants or in spaces for people with special needs	6
Exceeding the maximum speed limit by 50–60 km/h	6
Exceeding the maximum speed limit by more than 60 km/h	12
Driving a noisy vehicle	12
Jumping a red signal	12
Driving under the influence of alcohol	23
Driving a vehicle without a number plate	23

Black points are not the only consequence. All of these violations also carry a fine, and often an impound period for your car, so a single mistake can be costly in several ways.

A quick way to see the risk: two red-light violations (12 + 12) reach the 24-point limit on their own. One drink-driving offence (23 points) leaves you just one point away from suspension.

How Long Do Black Points Last?

Black points expire 12 months after they were recorded, provided you don't commit any new violations during that window. A clean record for a year is the simplest way to wipe the slate.

Can You Reduce Your Black Points?

Yes. You can reduce your total by up to 8 points by attending RTA-approved driving awareness courses. If your count is getting close to the suspension threshold, this is worth considering.

How to Check Your Black Points in Dubai

Checking your black points is quick and free. You have two official options:

1. The Dubai Police app. Download the app, log in and open the traffic section to see your record.
2. The RTA website. Visit the official RTA website, log in to your account and check your driving licence details.

It is a good habit to check regularly, especially after a fine, so you always know how close you are to the limit.

How to Avoid Black Points

• Keep your driving licence valid and renew it before it expires.
• Respect speed limits, including on highways where limits change.
• Never cross a red signal, even if the light has just changed.
• Avoid parking near fire hydrants or in spaces reserved for people with special needs.
• Keep your vehicle roadworthy and its number plates fitted and visible.
• Never drive under the influence of alcohol.

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Note: traffic rules and penalties may be updated, so please confirm current details with the official Dubai Police and RTA channels.