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To ensure maximum public safety on the road and accident prevention, Abu Dhabi is also known to have a strict and extensive set of traffic requirements as part of its long-term pledges towards the same. Regardless of whether you are a resident, a businessman or a tourist, you could face legal and financial problems by accumulating some black points in your driving license, in case you do not follow these rules very strictly. These are records of traffic offences, and one of the ways through which authorities are trying to prevent unsafe driving. In this context, it’s vital to fully understand the strategy of the system.
If you plan to rent a car in Abu Dhabi, you are highly recommended to learn how the black points system operates. Even though it may be complicated to remove black points after they have been issued, there are administrative and legal channels available for contesting them and reducing the number. This guide sets out the fundamentals of the scheme, prevalent breaches, legal steps, and practical tips for evasion and settlement.
Overview of Abu Dhabi’s Traffic Points System
Abu Dhabi has a Traffic Points System (TPS) which the government runs. Its purpose is to regulate driving and impose traffic discipline. The system’s intention is not just to punish errant drivers but to help and reform them as well. According to this system, all drivers have a clear slate with zero black points.
When a driver is issued with a traffic violation, the black points are incurred depending on the type of offense and its severity. Less serious cases attract fewer points by contrast with serious crime since tougher sanctions are imposed on them.
Threshold and Penalties
First infringement reaching 24 points: 3 months’ license suspension
Second infringement within 12 months: 6-month suspension
Third infringement during the same period: License revocation, mandatory retraining, and a driving test
The increase of these penalties aims to deter those who repeatedly offend and to enhance road safety compliance in the long term.
List of Offenses and the Respected Black Point Assigning
| Violation | Black Points |
| Speeding | 4 to 12 points |
| Jumping a red light | 8 points |
| Driving under the influence (alcohol/drugs) | 24 points |
| Using a mobile phone while driving | 4 points |
| Not wearing a seatbelt | 4 points |
| Reckless driving or endangering others | 12 to 23 points |
Being alert and driving defensively can significantly diminish the possibility of traffic offenses, and thus the accumulation of black points.
Accumulating Black Points
Black Points are the result of car traffic laws being violated. The count of points differs according to the severity of the offense. For example:
Minor Offense: Parking in a forbidden area – Just fine, no black points
Moderate Offense: Failure to signal while changing lanes – 2 black points
Major Offense: Causing serious injury in an accident – 23+ black points
It needs to be explained that some of the offenses are not only punishable by fines but can also lead to vehicle impoundment or imprisonment, depending on the situation.
Consequences of Accumulating Black Points
Getting more than the allowed black points brings about significant financial and legal problems like:
Fines: Every black point usually has attached to it fines that range from AED 400-AED 3,000 per violation.
License Suspension: Issued at 24 points; the repeat cords further the suspension period.
Mandatory training: A course of traffic rehabilitation (AED 1,500 on average) may be required for drivers with 8 or more points.
Vehicle confiscation: In case of some offenses, the driver’s car can be taken away for 30 days.
More Premium on Your Insurance: Higher black points can cause more expensive insurance.
These sanctions not only bear upon your license but also might affect employment opportunities, especially for driving-required jobs.
Monitoring your Black Points
Monitoring your black points can prevent unintentional over-accumulation and escape the penalty on your license.
Online Method
- Go to Abu Dhabi Police website
- Launch “Traffic Fines” section
- Insert your Emirates ID or driving license number
- Go through the list of breaches and their respective black points
Offline Method
- Visit the nearest Abu Dhabi Police Customer Happiness Center
- Bring your Emirates ID and driving license
- Request a service ticket from an officer
- Ask for your driving record and point status
The fastest way is the online method, while the offline method could be more useful in complex cases or disputes.
Legal Procedures for Challenging Black Points
Drivers who are convinced that the black points were issued erroneously possess a right to challenge them by means of the following mechanism:
Should Start the Appeal: A complaint should be lodged with the Traffic Prosecution department, preferably in the first 15 days from the moment of breach.
Present Supporting Evidence: Such can be video materials, GPS logs, pictures, declarations of witnesses, or papers, which show that you were not the driver.
Be Present at Hearing: A case will be heard by a prosecutor from the traffic department. Provided that the decision is in your favor, the points and the fines may be reversed.
File an Appeal: In case you wish to initiate a protest against a decision, you have the right to take the case into further consideration at the Traffic Court.
Notes: The process can be slow and more time-consuming than anticipated and can be costly in terms of legal fees. Therefore, one should take action only when it can be proved by strong evidence.
Transferring Black Points
In some circumstances, if another person was driving your vehicle at the time of the offense, black points can be transferred to the real driver.
Required Documents:
- ID card (both people)
- Driving license numbers
- Vehicle registration card
- OTP verification and consent
Steps via TAMM Portal
- Log in to TAMM Abu Dhabi
- Search for “Transfer Black Points”
- Choose to transfer to your own or another person’s license
- Enter required details and upload supporting documents
- Confirm with OTP and submit
- Generally, it takes 24–48 hours for approval, and both parties receive confirmation messages.
Preventive Measures to Avoid Black Points
To shield your driving record:
Strictly Follow Road Laws: Don’t break any traffic signals and speed limits, be sure you follow the right-of-way rules.
Use Hands-Free Devices: Instead of mobile phone use while driving, Bluetooth devices are a good choice.
Attend Awareness Courses: Do something to enlarge your horizon such as taking voluntary defensive courses or learning what you are not supposed to do and supposed to do.
Vehicle Roadworthiness: Watch out for having brakes, tires, wipers and headlights in the best conditions.
Negotiate to Keep them Valid: Renewing your license and registration before they expired is the best way not to pay a fine.
Avoid Aggressive Driving: We often tailgate, develop road rage and/or change lanes very quickly.
