Car Towed in Dubai? Here's What to Do

You return to the spot where you left your car and it's gone. In Dubai, that often means it has been towed and taken to an impound yard. It's stressful, but the process of getting your vehicle back is straightforward if you know the steps.

Here is a clear 5-step guide to recovering a towed car in Dubai, including the documents you need and the fees you can expect.

Quick Overview: How to Get Your Towed Car Back in Dubai

1. Locate your car
2. Settle all outstanding fines
3. Wait out the impound period
4. Gather your documents
5. Visit the impound yard and pay the release fees

Step 1: Locate Your Car

Before anything else, confirm that your car was actually towed and find out where it is. You can do this in three ways:

• The Dubai Police app
• The RTA website
• By calling 901, the Dubai Police non-emergency number

Any of these will confirm the tow and tell you which impound yard your vehicle was taken to. Note the yard's name, because you will need to go there in person later.

Step 2: Settle All Outstanding Fines

You cannot collect your car until all traffic fines linked to the vehicle are cleared. This includes the violation that led to the tow, as well as any other unpaid fines on record.

The good news is that you can pay online through the Dubai Police or RTA digital platforms, so you don't need to visit an office. Keep your proof of payment, as you will need it at the impound yard.

Step 3: Wait Out the Impound Period

For certain violations, your car cannot be released until the impound period ends. This period can range from 7 days to several months, depending on the violation.

In some cases, you can pay an additional fee of AED 100 per day to shorten the waiting time. This option is not available for every violation, so check your specific case before you plan around it.

Step 4: Gather Your Documents

To avoid a wasted trip, bring the following original documents:

• Emirates ID
• Driving license
• Vehicle Registration Card (Mulkiya)
• Proof of fine payment

Check that everything is valid and with you before you leave for the impound yard.

Step 5: Visit the Impound Yard and Pay the Release Fees

Go to the specific impound yard holding your car and pay the release fees before the vehicle is handed back:

Fee	Typical amount (AED)
Towing fee	400–500
Daily storage fee	Around 50 per day

Because storage is charged daily, the sooner you act, the less you pay. Collecting your car quickly keeps the total cost down.

Estimated Costs at a Glance

Cost	Amount (AED)
Towing fee	400–500 (typical)
Storage	~50 per day (usual)
Optional fee to reduce impound period	100 per day (in some cases)
Traffic fines	Varies by violation

These are typical amounts. Your exact total depends on the violation and the number of days your car stays in the yard.

Tips to Get Your Car Back Faster

• Act immediately. Storage fees add up for every day your car stays in the yard.
• Pay fines online first. This is often the quickest way to clear the main requirement.
• Prepare your documents in advance. Bring originals, not copies.
• Confirm the yard before you go. Use the Dubai Police app, the RTA website or call 901.
• Park legally. The simplest way to avoid a tow is to avoid parking violations. See our guide to the most common parking fines in Dubai in 2026.

Having your car towed in Dubai is frustrating, but the recovery process is simple: locate your car, clear your fines, wait out the impound period if one applies, bring your documents and pay the release fees. The faster you move, the less you pay in storage.

Fees, impound periods and procedures may change. Always confirm the latest details with Dubai Police or the RTA before you go.

Avoid the Tow: Park in a Verified Space

The easiest way to avoid fines, towing fees and impound stress is to never park in a risky spot in the first place. Instead of searching for a space every day and hoping for the best, rent a verified parking space with ParkCar:

• Safe and legal: trusted parking locations, no guesswork
• No fines or towing risk: your space is yours, whenever you need it
• Convenient: save time and stop circling for a spot