Black Points System in UAE Explained: How to Avoid Losing Your License

The UAE’s Black Points System is a strict yet effective way to ensure road safety. It penalizes drivers for traffic violations by adding points to their driving license. Too many points can lead to serious consequences, like license suspension or vehicle impoundment. 

This blog will explain the Black Points System and provide practical tips to avoid losing your license. 

What is the Black Points System?

Introduced by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and enforced by police departments in each emirate, it assigns “black points” to a driver’s license for breaking traffic rules. These points accumulate over time, and reaching the maximum limit of 24 points within a year can result in license suspension or other penalties.

Each traffic violation has a specific number of points based on its severity. For example, minor offenses like not wearing a seatbelt may add 4 points, while serious violations like driving under the influence can add up to 23 points. The system encourages drivers to follow traffic laws to avoid penalties affecting their driving privileges, insurance costs, and job opportunities.

How Does the Black Points System Work?

When you commit a traffic violation, such as speeding or running a red light, traffic cameras, radars, or police officers record the offense. The relevant emirate’s police department reviews the evidence and assigns black points to your license. You’ll receive an SMS or email notification within 48 hours, informing you of the violation, fine, and points added.

Here’s a quick breakdown of how it works:

1. Violation Detection: Traffic cameras, radars, or police officers catch the offense.
2. Point Assignment: Black points are added based on the violation’s severity.
3. Notification: You’re notified via SMS or email within 48 hours.
4. Accumulation: After the date of the violation, points remain on your record for a full year.
5. Consequences: Reaching 24 points triggers license suspension or other penalties.

Black points expire after one year, but accumulating 24 points before they expire can lead to trouble. For example, a first-time offender with 24 points faces a 3-month license suspension, while a third-time offender may lose their license for a year and need to retake a driving test.

Latest Updates on the Black Points System

The UAE continues to refine its Black Points System to improve road safety. Here are the latest updates based on recent information:

• Increased Awareness Programs: Emirates like Ras Al Khaimah now offer social media campaigns where drivers can reduce points by sharing traffic safety videos.
• Online Black Point Transfers in Abu Dhabi: Drivers can transfer points to another license (e.g., if someone else was driving) via the TAMM website, but only once a year and with a clear recipient license.
• Special Initiatives: In 2024, Abu Dhabi canceled black points for over 1,600 drivers as part of a traffic reduction initiative. Similar programs may continue in 2025.
• Accident-Free Day Rewards: On specific days, like the first day of the school year (August 26, 2024), drivers who sign a safety pledge and avoid violations can reduce 4 points.
• Updated Fine Payment Channels: Digital channels such as TAMM, the Abu Dhabi Police app, or affiliated institutions like Emirates NBD are now available for paying fines.

These updates make it easier to manage and reduce black points, but prevention remains the best strategy.

Common Traffic Violations and Black Points

Below is a table of common traffic violations in Dubai:

Note: Penalties and fines may vary slightly across emirates. Check with your emirate’s police website for exact details.

Consequences of Accumulating Black Points

Accumulating black points can have serious consequences beyond fines. Here’s what happens if you reach or exceed the 24-point limit:

• First Offense (24 points): 3-month license suspension.
• Second Offense: 6-month license suspension.
• Third Offense: 1-year license suspension, plus a mandatory driving course and test to reinstate the license.
• Other Impacts:
• Higher Insurance Premiums: Insurance companies view drivers with black points as high-risk, increasing premiums.
• Vehicle Impoundment: Serious violations lead to vehicle seizure for 30–90 days.
• Employment Issues: Some jobs requiring a clean driving record may be harder to get or keep.
• Registration Problems: Renewing vehicle registration can be challenging with many points.

How to Check Black Points on Your License?

Keeping track of your black points is easy with online and offline options. Here’s how to check them:

1. Online via Police Websites or Apps:
• Dubai: Visit the Dubai Police website or app, go to “Traffic Services,” and enter your license or plate number.
• Abu Dhabi: Use the Abu Dhabi Police website or app with your Emirates ID and license number.
• Other Emirates: Check the Ministry of Interior website or emirate-specific police portals.
2. In-Person: Visit a local police station or driver licensing service center with your license and Emirates ID.
3. Emirates Vehicle Gate: Log in to their portal and select “Driver” under “Services” to view points.

Regularly checking your points helps you take action before they reach the 24-point limit.

How to Reduce or Remove Black Points?

There are several ways to reduce or remove black points:

1. Take a Defensive Driving Course:
• In Dubai, a Traffic Institute course (AED 810) can erase 8 points from drivers with 8-23. Use the Dubai Police app to register.
• Approved courses in Abu Dhabi might lower scores by up to three points.
2. Participate in Awareness Programs:
• Share traffic safety content on social media in emirates like Ras Al Khaimah to reduce points.
• Sign pledges for initiatives like “Accident-Free Day” to earn point reductions.
3. Wait for Expiry: Points expire after 12 months if you don’t add more.
4. Transfer Points: If someone else drove your vehicle, transfer points to their license via RTA or TAMM (Abu Dhabi).
5. Special Discounts: Look for point reduction offers during holidays like Eid or Ramadan.

Tips to Avoid Black Points

Preventing black points is easier than removing them. Here how:

• Follow Traffic Rules: Stick to speed limits, wear seatbelts, and avoid using your phone while driving.
• Drive Defensively: Keep a safe distance from other vehicles and be cautious in pedestrian areas.
• Stay Updated: Check police websites or apps for changes in traffic laws.
• Use Hands-Free Devices: Answer calls with Bluetooth or hands-free systems to avoid distractions.
• Maintain Your Vehicle: Ensure lights, indicators:

Why Avoiding Black Points Matters?

Black points impact your wallet, job prospects, and peace of mind. Here’s why keeping your record clean is crucial:

• Financial Savings: Fewer points mean lower insurance premiums and no costly fines or impoundment fees.
• Convenience: A suspended license disrupts daily life, especially if you rely on driving for work or family.
• Safety: Following traffic rules reduces accidents, protecting you and others on the road.
• Reputation: A clean record enhances your credibility, especially for jobs requiring safe driving.

FAQs

1. How many black points are allowed in the UAE?

You can have up to 23 black points. Reaching 24 points leads to license suspension for 3–12 months, depending on prior offenses.

2. How long do black points last?

Black points expire after 12 months from the violation date, provided you don’t accumulate more.

3. Can I transfer black points to another driver?

Yes, if someone else were driving your vehicle, you can transfer points via RTA (Dubai) or TAMM (Abu Dhabi), but only once per year and to a driver with a clear record.

4. How can I check my black points?

Use the Dubai Police, Abu Dhabi Police, or Ministry of Interior websites/apps, or visit a police station with your license and Emirates ID.

5. How do I remove black points?

Enroll in defensive driving courses, participate in awareness programs, wait for points to expire, or take advantage of festive discounts.