What are black points in UAE

Black points are applied to a drivers license when they commit a dangerous offence on the road. Going slightly over the speed limit will net you a fine but not black points. But excessively speeding will.

If a driver receives 24 black points, the court will decide to either confiscate or suspend the license.

Each black point is valid for a year (12-months) across the UAE and will be removed after the time period has elapsed.

In the UAE drivers can receive between 2 and 24 black points depending on the violation and they are as follows.

The following will net you 24 black points;

Driving under the influence of narcotics, psychotropic or similar substances.
Transporting passengers illegally.
Transporting inflammable or hazardous materials without prior approval or permission.

The following will net you 23 black points;

Driving in a manner that poses danger to the driver’s life, the lives of the passengers and the safety of others.
Driving in a manner that damages private or public property.
Driving under the influence of alcohol.
Driving a vehicle without number plates.
Causing someone’s death.
Causing a serious accident or injuries.
Exceeding the speed limit by 80 km/h.

The following will net you 16 black points;

Failing to stop when causing an accident in a heavy vehicle.
Running away from a policeman (heavy vehicle).

The following will net you 12 black points;

Driving in the wrong lane in a heavy vehicle.
Driving a noisy vehicle.
Heavy vehicle load leaking or falling out.
Driving a vehicle with the wrong license.
Passing through a red light in a light vehicle or motorcycle.
Exceeding the speed limit by more than 60 km/h.
Running away from a policeman (light vehicle).
Modifying the engine or chassis without prior approval or permission.

The following will net you 10 black points;

Failing to stop when a school bus’s STOP SIGN is activated.

The following will net you 8 black points;

Fleeing the scene after causing a minor accident (light vehicle).
Entry from a prohibited place.

The following will net you 6 black points;

Loading a heavy vehicle incorrectly in a way that poses danger to others.
Loading a heavy vehicle in a way that damages public and private roads.
Driving a heavy vehicle that does not comply with safety and security standards.
Driving a vehicle that harms the environment. (Causes pollution)
Exceeding the speed limit by no more than 60 km/h.
Using the hard shoulder to overtake.
Entering a road in a dangerous manner.
Not giving way to emergency services, the police, public service vehicles or official convoys.
Parking in front of a fire hydrant.
Parking in spaces designated for people of determination.
Stopping in on the road for no reason.
Not giving way to pedestrians at a pedestrian crossing.
Littering from a vehicle window while in driving.
School bus driver not activating the STOP SIGN or abiding by traffic rules.
Broken headlight/s.

The following will net you 4 black points;

Entering non designated areas in a heavy vehicle.
Driving against the flow of traffic/wrong direction.
Failing to abide by loading or unloading regulations in designated areas.
Driving a vehicle without valid insurance.
Driving an unregistered vehicle.
Driving with a foreign license not on the expected list of countries.
Driving with an expired license.
Driving an unregistered vehicle.
Driving below the minimum speed set for a road if applicable.
Swerving suddenly on the road if not an emergency.
Reversing in an unsafe manner.
Using a phone or mobile device when driving.
Driving while distracted behind the wheel.
Failing to follow a traffic policeman instructions.
Not wearing a seatbelt.
Failing to leave a safe distance (tailgating).
Entering a road without making sure it’s clear.
Using a vehicle for an undesignated purpose.
Transporting passengers in a vehicle that is not licensed to do so.
Exceeding the passenger limit in or on a vehicle.
Not wearing a helmet as a rider or passenger on a motorcycle.
Driving on expired tyres.
Participating in a motorcade with permission.
Broken rear or sidelights on a trailer.
Not having side or rear lights on a trailer.
Turning in an undesignated area.
Turing in a wrong way.
Loading a light vehicle that poses a risk to others.
Driving at night without lights.
Driving in foggy conditions without lights.
Driving in foggy weather in violation of concerned authorities’ instructions.
Using the horn or sound system to disturb the public.

The following will net you 2 black points;

Non-functioning or broken indicators.
Non-functioning or broken rear lights.

How can you reduce your black points?

As mentioned earlier, after 12 months (1 year) black points are automatically removed.

In case you want to get rid of them sooner, Police authorities in each Emirate regularly announce programmes that encourage safe driving for motorists. Drivers may participate if they wish and have the added benefit of having their black points reduced after completion.

Driving courses are available in each Emirate and is endorsed by the respected police authority to reduce black points on your license.