Most drivers in the UAE follow the rules, but illegal parking remains a frequent issue in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Common examples include blocking driveways, occupying multiple spaces, parking on sidewalks, or using spots reserved for people with disabilities. All of these examples can cause safety problems and influence the traffic flow. Luckily, the Dubai Integrated Transport Centre provides clear channels for reporting such violations. Residents and visitors can take immediate and effective action.
What Is Considered Wrong Parking in Dubai?
These are the most common parking violation types under UAE traffic laws:
- Parking in front of private or public driveways, building entrances, or emergency access points is strictly prohibited. This can prevent residents from exiting their homes or delay emergency response.
- Parking on sidewalks: Vehicles are not allowed to park on pedestrian walkways. This endangers pedestrians and can result in both fines and vehicle towing, regardless of how long the car is left there.
- Parking in areas for people with disabilities: These spots are marked with special signs to prevent accidental parking, so please be attentive.
- Blocking fire lanes or hydrants
- Double parking: Leaving your car prossimo to a parked vehicle, even temporarily, with hazard lights on, obstructs traffic and may cause accidents. This is especially enforced near schools and mosques.
- Taking up more than one parking space: Parking outside the lines or diagonally in a way that occupies two or more bays is considered misuse of public space and is punishable by law.
- Parking in loading/unloading zones: These areas are designated as restricted zones for commercial vehicles during specific hours.
- Illegal parking on the hard shoulder: Stopping on the hard shoulder of highways or main roads without an emergency is considered dangerous.
- Abandoned vehicles: Cars left abandoned for long periods in public spaces (often dusty or with flat tires) will be considered visual pollution and may be removed by authorities.
But what’s the difference between wrong parking and temporary stopping? Temporary stopping typically takes under 3 minutes for pickup or drop-off without leaving the driver’s seat or blocking traffic, and it’s allowed in most areas (no matter what signage says). Leaving your car in a space where it obstructs, violates laws, or takes the place of a parking space not designated for vehicles, even if the car is left temporarily and presents a threat or hinders entry, can be considered an offense.
How to Report Wrong Parking in Dubai via the Dubai Police App
The fastest way to report an illegally parked vehicle is through the official Dubai Police mobile app. You’re just five simple steps away from reporting the violator.
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Download the Dubai Police App from the App Store, Google Play, or the official Dubai Police website.
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Register or Log In: Open the app and create an account using your Emirates ID and mobile number. If you already have an account, simply log in. Guest access has limited functionality, but it’s still available.
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Go to “Traffic Services” and then “Report Traffic Violation”: Select the “Report Traffic Violation” option, where you’ll be able to submit complaints related to wrong parking.
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Mention All Info: Take a photo of the vehicle that is violating the rules. Make sure the license plate and the surrounding area are visible. The app will auto-detect your GPS location, but you can modify it manually if needed. In the description field, describe the problem.
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Submit the Report and Wait: Your complaint will be sent to the Dubai Police control center for review. In most cases, action is taken within a few hours. The update or confirmation will be received via SMS or within the app.
How to Report Vehicle Obstruction in Abu Dhabi
If any vehicle blocks any public access point in Abu Dhabi, you can report it through the TAMM mobile app. TAMM is the official platform for government services in this emirate. How you can do it:
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Open the TAMM app, available on both iOS and Android.
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Log in requires your UAE Pass or phone number.
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Find the service by searching “Report Vehicle Obstruction” or tapping on “Public Services”, then find “Police Services” and then click on the “Report Vehicle Obstruction”.
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Submit the report: Upload a photo of the obstructing vehicle (license plate must be visible if possible) and add a brief description of the situation (for example, “Vehicle blocking private parking access”). Confirm or adjust your GPS location and enter the license plate number, if visible.
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Send the report: it will be forwarded directly to Abu Dhabi Police
The alternative option is to call Abu Dhabi Police – 800 3333.
If you prefer to report by phone, you can call the 24/7 non-emergency number. You can use this script as an example:
“Hello, I’d like to report a vehicle blocking my driveway in [your area]. The car is a [color and type], and the plate number is [plate number]. I’m unable to move my vehicle”.
All updates will be sent to you after submitting your request via SMS or phone call. What to expect after submitting your request:
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Police will try to contact the vehicle owner by phone.
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If they do not receive any response, a patrol unit might be dispatched.
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In some cases, the vehicle may be fined or towed.
Fines for Wrong Parking in Dubai and Abu Dhabi
Wrong parking in the UAE is a serious traffic offense. Especially when it creates danger to public safety or disrupts access to roads and other areas, both Dubai and Abu Dhabi have penalties for parking violations, and in some cases, vehicles may be towed without prior notice. To avoid penalties and additional costs, always follow signage, road markings, and avoid parking anywhere that might block others or limit visibility, especially near intersections and building exits. Typical fines for wrong parking include:
- AED 500 for parking on sidewalks, in undesignated areas, or occupying more than one space.
- AED 1,000 for parking in spots reserved for people with disabilities without a permit.
- AED 1,000 and 6 black points for parking in front of Emergency exits or ambulance/fire zones.
- AED 500 to AED 1,000 for blocking private driveways, gates, or obstructing other vehicles.
These fines apply whether the vehicle is left for five minutes or several hours. When a car repeatedly blocks access or parks in front of an emergency exit, the authorities won’t just issue a fine. To take back the vehicle, the owner must pay the fine and cover the towing and storage expenses.
In Dubai, the RTA (Roads and Transport Authority) keeps an eye on both public and paid parking zones with patrols and smart monitoring tools (such as a city-wide surveillance system). If someone reports a violation through the RTA or Dubai Police apps, fines are often issued automatically.
In more serious situations (such as if the obstruction leads to a minor collision or access delay), police may consider the violation part of a traffic incident, which can require issuing accident report procedures.
>Tips for Filing a Wrong Parking Complaint- Ensure your photos are clear: Always clean your smartphone’s camera lens before taking pictures. A smudged lens can make the image blurry, which might delay the case or make it invalid. Try to capture the license plate, the position of the car, and the surrounding area. If it’s dark outside, you can use your phone’s flash.
- Location and time: Turn on GPS, and the app will automatically detect your location. Alternatively, you can manually enter the correct address.
- Briefly Describe: Don’t use an emotional or aggressive tone of voice. Just explain the problem in a calm, neutral tone. You can use one of these scripts:
- “Vehicle is blocking my driveway.”
- “The car is parked across two spaces in a public lot. I need assistance.”
- “This car is in a marked fire lane.”
- Do not use the complaint system for personal disputes. If you report someone just because of a personal conflict, your complaint may be ignored or even flagged. Repeated misuse can lead to warnings or action by the ITC in Abu Dhabi.
- Learn how to report wrong parking correctly: Each city has its procedure. Before submitting anything, check the instructions through official apps or websites. Taking a moment to read the rules can help you avoid errors and ensure your complaint is taken seriously.
Real Experience: Reporting a Car Blocking My Driveway
Below, we will review some real cases from Reddit.
Case 1: Someone occupied my designated spot
“I moved into a new apartment and noticed a car regularly parked in my assigned spot. Security said they didn’t know whose it was. I’d been away for two months, so they were probably using it the whole time. I reported it, and now I place a cone with my flat number to prevent this from happening again.”
- User tip: “Just put a traffic cone or something in your parking spot.”
- Redditor Reply: “Once it’s established that the spot is yours, they’ll stop using it.”
Case 2: Did the police do the right thing?
“Someone had parked in my friend’s assigned spot. Even after the building security intervened, the other driver refused to move. My friend blocked that car. The police were called, but they just asked my friend to move his car or pay a fine. The other driver was let off with a warning.”
- One commenter mentioned: “At most, they will only warn him. Shame might prevent him from repeating it.”
Case 3: False complaint through the police app
“I received a traffic complaint through the Dubai Police app, saying I blocked traffic flow in the fast lane. But there were cars ahead, and I couldn’t go faster. The officer on 901 dismissed it, and apparently, at least three complaints are needed before it turns into a violation.”
- Another Reddit User Says: “Some drivers flash even when traffic is stuck. They think they own the lane.”
Key Lessons and Tips from These Cases:
- When reporting, always attach complete information. Make clear photos, note the time, and write down the license plate.
- If someone blocks access to your parking spot, try building management first, but don’t hesitate to involve Dubai Police if needed.
- Don’t misuse reporting tools. Filing false complaints undermines the system and won’t help your case.
- For minor or recurring issues, something as simple as a cone or sign can help maintain order and prevent future conflict.
- The police will only escalate a report if the traffic flow is obstructed and only when it is appropriately documented.
Conclusion: Why Reporting Helps Keep Roads Safe
Reporting traffic violations or illegal parking is crucial for enhancing everyday road safety.
- It promotes discipline among drivers. Knowing that rule violators can be reported and traced increases compliance with basic traffic rules. The Integrated Transport Centre’s complaint system, or the Dubai Police app, helps promote legal behavior throughout the city.
- It helps protect the rights of both drivers and pedestrians. If someone is blocking a driveway or speeding in a residential area, reporting will help prevent repeat offenses. It also enhances a sense of responsibility, particularly in shared or designated areas.
- It helps with better planning and urban infrastructure. Regular reports highlight problem zones and inform authorities where improvements are needed.
By addressing each issue early, we avoid escalation, minimize risk, and help maintain public safety.
