What to Do If Your Car Is Towed in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or Anywhere in the UAE
What to Do If Your Car Is Towed in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or Anywhere in the UAE
Getting your car towed in the UAE can be a stressful experience, especially if you're unfamiliar with the rules. Whether it's due to illegal parking, unpaid fines, or abandoned vehicle regulations, each emirate has its own process. This guide breaks it down clearly so you can act quickly, avoid penalties, and retrieve your vehicle with ease.
How to Know If Your Car Has Been Towed
In most cases, if your car is missing from where you parked it, it may have been towed. Here's how you can confirm:
- Dubai: Visit RTA's official website or use the Dubai Police app to check if your vehicle has been towed.
- Abu Dhabi: Use the TAMM portal to search for towed vehicles or call the Abu Dhabi Police.
- Sharjah & others: Contact the local police department or municipal authority directly.
Common Reasons for Towing
- Parking in a no-parking or restricted zone
- Obstructing traffic or emergency paths
- Abandoned or dirty vehicles (especially in residential areas)
- Unpaid fines or expired registration
How to Retrieve Your Towed Vehicle
Each emirate has slightly different enforcement and vehicle release procedures. Here are the general steps and regional differences:
Step-by-Step Process (by Emirate)
| Emirate | Step 1: Check Towing Status | Step 2: Pay Fines | Step 3: Retrieve Vehicle |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dubai | RTA / Dubai Police app | Online via Dubai Police | Go to Al Qusais or Al Barsha impound yards |
| Abu Dhabi | TAMM portal or call 800 3333 | Online or visit a Police Traffic Department | Abu Dhabi Vehicle Impound Lot |
| Sharjah | Call 901 or visit Sharjah Police | In-person payment at police station | Sharjah Industrial Area impound |
| Ajman | Contact Ajman Police (067034666) | At the station or through app | Designated municipal lot |
| Umm Al Quwain | Call 06 765 2111 (UAQ Police) | In person at traffic department | UAQ Municipality Yard |
| Ras Al Khaimah | Check with RAK Police | Online or station payment | RAK Vehicle Impound Site |
| Fujairah | Call 09 222 4411 (Fujairah Police) | Pay at local station | Fujairah impound zone |
How to Retrieve Your Towed Car
- Dubai: Pay any fines on the RTA website or Dubai Police app. Then visit the Impound Yard with your Emirates ID, driver's license, Mulkiya, and proof of payment.
- Abu Dhabi: Clear fines through TAMM or the Abu Dhabi Police app. Bring your Emirates ID, vehicle registration, and payment receipt to the impound yard.
- Sharjah: Visit the nearest Sharjah Police station for a release order. Then head to the Sharjah Impound Lot with your documents and receipts.
- Ajman: Call Ajman Police or check their app for your vehicle status. Pay fines and retrieve your car from the municipal impound lot with necessary documents.
- Umm Al Quwain: Confirm impound with UAQ Police. Settle fines at the traffic department and retrieve the vehicle from the UAQ Municipality yard.
- Ras Al Khaimah: Visit or contact RAK Police. Pay fines online or in person, then proceed to the impound lot with ID and car papers.
- Fujairah: Confirm towing with Fujairah Police. Clear fines and bring your Emirates ID, registration, and payment slip to the impound facility.
How Much Are the Towing Fees?
- Dubai: Standard towing fees are around AED 400-500, with AED 50 per day for storage. For the most recent rates, refer to the RTA site.
- Abu Dhabi: Similar fees apply. You can confirm the total via TAMM or the Abu Dhabi Police app, especially for storage durations and fines.
- Sharjah: Expect charges in the AED 400-600 range. Fees depend on the offense and how long the car remains impounded.
- Ajman: Towing fees are typically AED 300-500, plus daily storage charges. Payments must be completed before retrieval.
- Umm Al Quwain: Approximate towing fees are AED 300-400, with AED 30-50 daily for storage. Confirm with the local police station.
- Ras Al Khaimah: Standard towing begins at AED 400, with added storage charges per day. Contact RAK Police for accurate details.
- Fujairah: Fees generally fall between AED 300-500. The longer the delay in collection, the more the cost increases.
How Much Are the Towing Fees?
Towing and storage fees vary by emirate and are usually calculated daily. Dubai charges a base fee plus AED 50-100 per day of impound. Abu Dhabi follows a similar rate. In some emirates like Sharjah and RAK, payment must be made in person.
How to Avoid Getting Towed
- Always check signage before parking
- Avoid parking in loading zones, disabled spaces, or in front of driveways
- Keep your car clean to avoid being labeled as abandoned
- Pay your traffic fines and renew your registration on time
FAQs
Can I check towing status online?
Yes, Dubai and Abu Dhabi have online systems via RTA, Dubai Police, and TAMM portals.
Are towing fees the same across the UAE?
No, each emirate has different rates and payment procedures.
What documents are needed to release the car?
Emirates ID, driver's license, vehicle registration card, and payment receipts.
Can someone else retrieve my car?
Yes, with a signed authorization letter and their Emirates ID.
Final Thoughts
Getting your car towed can feel overwhelming, but knowing the process by emirate helps you stay calm and act quickly. Always follow the parking rules and keep your documents up to date to avoid trouble.
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