How long do black points stay on my UAE licence?

Black points remain on your record for 12 months from the date the offence was recorded.

Can I check black points online?

Yes. Log into the RTA app or Dubai Police website with your Emirates ID or traffic file number.

Does paying the fine clear the black points?

No. Points stay until the 12-month period ends, even if the fine is paid.

Is the limit the same across all emirates?

Yes. The 24-point suspension rule is federal and applies in every emirate.

Can tourists receive black points?

Tourists driving on a visit visa can receive points; the licence is suspended if they hit 24 points before leaving.

How Many Black Points Allowed in UAE 2026

Quick answer

In 2026, you may accumulate up to 23 black points before your UAE driving licence is suspended for at least six months. Any point above 24 triggers immediate suspension or cancellation, depending on your record. Renewing after suspension costs AED 200–400 plus a new medical test and RTA traffic file update.

Black points explained

Black points are penalty marks added to your driving licence by the UAE Road and Transport Authority (RTA) whenever you commit a listed traffic offence. Each offence carries between 2 and 12 points. The system is identical in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and all other emirates, although fines vary slightly by emirate.

Common offences and their points

Exceeding speed limit by more than 60 km/h – 12 points
Running a red light – 12 points
Driving under the influence – 12 points + immediate arrest
Using a mobile phone while driving – 6 points
Not wearing a seatbelt – 4 points
Parking in disabled bays – 4 points
Driving without valid insurance – 4 points

How many black points are allowed?

The RTA sets a hard ceiling: 24 points. Once you reach 24 points, your licence is suspended. Below that, you may keep driving, but the closer you get to 24, the higher the risk. For expats, the RTA sends SMS alerts at 12, 18 and 23 points.

Step-by-step: what happens when you reach the limit

RTA records the offence and adds the points within 24 hours.
You receive an SMS and email notification to the number linked to your traffic file.
At 24 points your licence status changes to “suspended” on the RTA app and MOI website.
You must surrender the physical licence at any RTA customer centre.
After a minimum six-month suspension you may apply for reinstatement.

Reinstatement process and cost

To get your licence back you need:

Original passport + Emirates ID
Medical fitness certificate from an RTA-approved centre (AED 150–300)
Traffic file update fee (AED 200)
New eye test and digital signature (AED 100)
Payment of any outstanding fines

Total typical cost: AED 450–600. Processing takes 3–5 working days if you book an appointment online.

Common mistakes expats make

Ignoring SMS alerts because the number is outdated
Assuming points expire after one year – they stay on record for 12 months from the date of the offence
Letting a friend drive your car, believing you won’t get points – the vehicle owner is liable if the driver is unlicensed
Paying a fine but forgetting to clear the points in the system

Tips to stay under the limit

Check your points balance weekly on the RTA app or Dubai Police app
Install speed-camera alerts via approved apps like “UAE Radar”
Keep your traffic file mobile number updated via the RTA website
Take the optional 6-hour defensive-driving course; it removes 4 points once every 12 months
Never lend your car to anyone without a valid UAE licence

Black points vs fines: key differences

Fines are monetary penalties paid to clear an offence. Black points are cumulative and can cost you your licence. Paying a fine does not automatically remove the points; they remain until the 12-month rolling period ends.

Key takeaway

Stay well below 24 black points by driving defensively and checking your balance regularly. One careless mistake can turn a short visit or a long-term expat contract into months without a licence and extra costs of AED 600 or more. Safe driving keeps both your record and your schedule clean.