Car impounding
 

Hello

I may have ran a red light and got flashed last night - it was that or get rear ended by a truck.

I've read online that this is 1000dh, 12 black points and 30 days impounding. I'm fairly OK with all of that given that I did this in the wife's car :lol: but I would like to know what the process is for impounding... do I have to take it in or is this something that just gets done during the registration process?

Re: Car impounding
 

I was able to leave it to registration time a few years ago (I actually phoned and asked them to make sure I wouldn't get into any problems. I was 2 x 1000DHS + 2 x 12 Black Points. So car away for 60 days and my driving license for 90. Same stretch of road, 72 hours apart and totally unaware the limit had been dropped!

Re: Car impounding
 

In Abu Dhabi (no idea whether it is the same in Dubai) one can ask to pay a fine in lieu of being impounded. A colleague did this a year or so ago - they checked his record, saw that it was a first offence for jumping lights, and allowed him this option. I think he had to ask first, however - they did not automatically offer it, and I don't know if they'd allow it for a second offence. If I remember, the fine was maybe a couple of thousand AED - I do recall it seemed pretty good value compared to a month's use of taxis.

Re: Car impounding
 

Perfect - thank you. I'll wait for the SMS!

I've read you can now have it impounded at home, that seems like a decent option. I assume I can hire a car while it's impounded.

Re: Car impounding
 

The Mrs did this, it was only 15 days impounding - maybe it's increased.

150dhs a day to not have it impounded, can't remember how we paid it if I'm honest. Might have been at registration or might have been part of the payment online when fines come through.

She wanted to pay because she'd read horror stories online about cars getting fines when impounded and the police just saying 'tough'.

Impounded at home sounds perfect.