Public Transport in Dubai
Dubai's public transport system falls under the purview of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). Commuters can use Nol cards, smart cards that facilitate payments for various modes of transportation in Dubai, including:
- Dubai Metro
- Dubai Tram
- Public buses
- RTA Taxi
- Water buses & Ferries
- Parking spaces
Nol cards streamline the payment process, eliminating the need to purchase tickets for each trip. Cardholders can check their card balance and transaction history on the RTA website.
Dubai Bus Fines
Dubai operates over 1,500 public buses on around 100 routes, featuring amenities such as air conditioning, digital route information screens, and dedicated areas for People of Determination. Fines for bus-related violations include:
AED 100 (USD 27) for actions such as using disruptive equipment, occupying specific categories' seating areas, eating or drinking in prohibited zones, opening bus doors while in motion, spitting, littering, and actions that may contaminate public transport.
AED 200 (USD 54) fines for infractions like using third-party, expired, or counterfeit cards, boarding public transport without paying the fare, damaging bus seats or equipment, causing inconvenience to fellow passengers, carrying weapons or flammable objects, smoking, selling goods, and unauthorized advertising.
AED 300 (USD 82) fines for sleeping in undesignated areas and passenger bus shelters.
AED 500 (USD 136) penalties for selling Nol cards without RTA permission.
Please note that using a private vehicle in Dubai can be a convenient alternative, offering time savings and access to a world-class road network. You can learn more about obtaining an Emirati driving license for foreigners in this article.
Dubai Metro Fines
Spanning nearly 90 km, the Dubai Metro is one of the fastest ways to navigate the emirate. The system is divided into seven fare zones, with the fare calculated based on the number of zones traversed. Some common fines on the Dubai Metro include:
AED 100 (USD 27) fines for violations like sitting in designated seating areas, eating or drinking in restricted zones, causing inconvenience to other passengers, ignoring warning signs, misusing elevators and escalators, placing feet on seats, bringing animals (except guide dogs), and using disruptive equipment.
AED 200 (USD 54) penalties for actions such as fare evasion, using another person's card, spitting, littering, smoking, failing to comply with posted rules, and unauthorized advertising.
AED 300 (USD 82) fines for sleeping in prohibited areas.
AED 500 (USD 136) fines for using counterfeit cards or carrying alcohol.
AED 2,000 (USD 545) fines for misusing emergency buttons, safety devices, and tools, including emergency exits.
Please note that travelers can also face significant fines for jumping red lights over tram lines without causing road accidents (AED 5,000 or USD 1,360).
Additionally, actions leading to death result in AED 30,000 (USD 8,170) fines, while causing injury leads to penalties of AED 15,000 (USD 4,085).
Considering a move to Dubai? Explore the warm climate, job opportunities, safety, education, healthcare, and other factors that make Dubai an attractive destination for expatriates.
Dubai Tram Fines
Dubai Tram plays a vital role in connecting the Palm Monorail, Dubai Metro, and routes along Al Sufouh Road and Jumeirah Beach Road. Fines associated with the Dubai Tram include:
AED 100 (USD 27) fines for offenses like causing inconvenience to fellow passengers, sitting in designated categories, eating or drinking in restricted areas, and standing or sitting in non-passenger zones.
AED 200 (USD 54) fines for infractions such as using another person's card, expired or invalid cards, selling or advertising goods, disregarding inspectors or personnel instructions, spitting, littering, smoking, distracting drivers, and failing to follow posted rules.
AED 2,000 (USD 545) fines for misusing emergency buttons, safety devices, and tools, including emergency exits.
AED 5,000 (USD 1,360) fines for driving through tram lines on a red light without causing road accidents.
AED 30,000 (USD 8,170) fines for actions resulting in death and AED 15,000 (USD 4,085) fines for causing injuries.
Learn more about the documents required for moving to Dubai, including an Emirates ID and driver's license, when you purchase property valued at AED 750,000 (USD 205,000) or more, allowing you to obtain an investor visa.
How to Check Public Transport Fines
Individuals can appeal fines within 30 days of receiving them. Fines are issued against the Emirates ID or international passport. Here's how to handle public transport fines in Dubai:
RTA Buses: For bus fines, you can obtain the fine number, pay, and receive a receipt at four Customer Happiness Centers: Al Kifaf, Al Manara, Al Barsha, and Al Twar. Alternatively, you can pay directly to the inspector and save AED 20 (USD 5.45) known as the 'Knowledge and Innovation Fee,' which is typically added to fines at centers.
RTA Dubai Metro or Dubai Tram: To pay fines incurred on the Dubai Metro or Dubai Tram, you can visit Customer Happiness Centers, pay directly to the inspector after the fine is issued, or make online payments through the RTA or Dubai Police websites or apps.
Note: Dubai offers various benefits for residents, such as the possibility to live in the emirate indefinitely with an Emirates ID and driver's license. Consider purchasing property valued at AED 750,000 (USD 205,000) or more to qualify for an investor visa.
Disputing Fines
You have the option to dispute fines, and the outcome will be communicated within up to 14 working days. To dispute fines:
Contact the call center at 8009090, follow voice instructions, provide personal information and violation details, and expect an SMS with the case number and response date.
Send an email titled "Fine Appeal" to ask@rta.ae with the necessary documents attached. You will receive an SMS with the case number and expected response date.
