Quick answer: Driving with an expired vehicle registration (mulkiya) in Dubai costs a fine of AED 500 and 4 black points, and Dubai Police can impound the car for 7 days. Dubai Police issued 48,950 of these fines in the first 10 months of 2026. You can renew up to 30 days before expiry, and the RTA gives a 30-day grace period after expiry to renew without late fees. That grace period does not make it legal to drive on expired papers. Below: the penalties, what renewal costs, how to renew online, and how to check your expiry date.
What is the fine for expired car registration in Dubai?
| Penalty | Amount |
|---|---|
| Fine | AED 500 |
| Black points | 4 |
| Vehicle impoundment | 7 days |
| After an accident | Possible extra costs, because registration and insurance are linked |
Brigadier Juma Salem bin Suwaidan, Director of the Traffic Department at Dubai Police, confirmed these penalties on 1 November 2026. The federal fines list applies the 7-day impoundment when the registration has been expired for more than three months, and the same penalty applies to a vehicle that was never registered. Fines from any emirate must be paid before you can renew.
48,950 fines in 10 months: the 2026 numbers
| Month (2026) | Expired registration fines |
|---|---|
| January | 6,977 |
| February | 6,768 |
| March | 6,573 |
| April | 2,601 |
| May | 984 |
| July | 6,404 |
| August | 4,859 |
| September | 4,763 |
| October | 4,056 |
| January to October | 48,950 |
Source: Dubai Police, reported by The National and Gulf News on 1 November 2026. The June figure was not published.
At AED 500 each, that is close to AED 24.5 million in fines, before impound costs. Dubai Police say the bigger risk is safety: a car that skips renewal also skips the yearly check of tyres, brakes, lights and steering.
Can I drive with an expired registration during the grace period?
No. The RTA’s 30-day grace period only means you can renew without late fees in the first 30 days after expiry. If police stop you while the registration is expired, you can still be fined AED 500 with 4 black points. After the grace period, the RTA adds late fees that depend on the vehicle type and how long it has been expired, and your traffic file can be blocked if the car is still not renewed two months after expiry.
How much does registration renewal cost in Dubai?
| Item | Typical cost (light private car) |
|---|---|
| Registration renewal | About AED 350 + AED 20 fees |
| Technical test (cars over 3 years old) | About AED 170 |
| Retest | About AED 50 |
| Card delivery (optional) | About AED 20 to 50 |
| Late fees after the 30-day grace period | Shown by the RTA when you renew |
Fees are approximate and change by vehicle type. The RTA app shows the exact total before you pay.
How to renew your car registration in Dubai
- Pay any traffic fines. Fines in any emirate block renewal. Check them in the Dubai Police or RTA app.
- Renew your insurance. For Dubai, the policy must be valid for at least 6 months. Most car policies run 13 months.
- Pass the technical test if needed. Cars older than 3 years need a yearly test at an RTA-approved centre such as Tasjeel, Shamil or Wasel. A new car is exempt for its first 3 years, but only for the first owner.
- Renew online. Use the RTA Dubai app or rta.ae, or a service kiosk. Your digital mulkiya updates straight away.
You can renew from 30 days before the expiry date. Setting a phone reminder for that day is the easiest way to avoid the fine.
Moving home? Your Dubai admin checklist
Many renewals are missed in the weeks around a move. If you are changing apartments this winter, check these together:
- Car registration and insurance dates, as above.
- Ejari for the new tenancy. It can now be registered, renewed and cancelled in the DubaiNow app. See our Ejari registration guide.
- Salik and parking costs on your new commute. Our Dubai commute cost guide compares 15 areas.
- Do you still need the car? Living near a station can cut the cost. See apartments near Dubai Metro and what they rent for.
- Your rent. Rents are falling in many areas this year; check a renewal offer with our RERA rent increase calculator or browse homes for rent in Dubai.
FAQ
What is the fine for expired car registration in Dubai?
AED 500 and 4 black points, and the vehicle can be impounded for 7 days, according to Dubai Police in November 2026.
Is there a grace period for car registration renewal in Dubai?
Yes. The RTA allows 30 days after expiry to renew without late fees. It does not allow you to drive the car with an expired registration.
How much is car registration renewal in Dubai?
For a light private car, about AED 370 (AED 350 plus around AED 20 in fees), plus about AED 170 for the technical test if the car is more than 3 years old.
Can I renew my car registration online in Dubai?
Yes, in the RTA Dubai app or on rta.ae, once fines are paid, insurance is valid and, for older cars, the test is passed.
Does a new car need a test to renew registration?
Not for its first 3 years, as long as it has the same owner. A change of ownership needs a test even for a newer car.
Sources: Dubai Police statement by Brigadier Juma Salem bin Suwaidan, reported by The National, Gulf News and Arabian Business (1 November 2026); RTA Dubai; federal traffic fines list. Fees are approximate: confirm in the RTA app.