UAE Black Points — How the System Works
Black points are a running tally of serious traffic offences, separate from the cash fine. Reach the thresholds and you lose your licence and vehicle — regardless of whether the fines are paid.
1. How points accumulate
Each qualifying offence adds points — 4 for a hand-held phone, 6 for illegal overtaking, 12 for running a red light, and up to 23 for the most dangerous violations. Points are counted over a rolling 12-month window.
2. Suspension & confiscation
The thresholds
At 12 points in a year your licence is suspended (three months for a first offence). At 24 points your vehicle can be impounded and your licence confiscated, after which you must reapply.3. Check your balance
Check your points through the Dubai Police app or dubaipolice.gov.ae, the Abu Dhabi Police portal, or the MoI UAE app, using your Emirates ID or licence number.
4. How to clear points
Points expire 12 months after each offence provided you have not been suspended. Renewing your licence without a suspension also reduces your total by 3, and some emirates offer point reductions for approved defensive-driving courses.
Frequently asked questions
How many black points until my UAE licence is suspended?
Your UAE licence is suspended at 12 black points accumulated within 12 months. The first suspension is three months, rising to one year for repeat suspensions.
How do I check my black points in the UAE?
Check your black points through the Dubai Police app or website (dubaipolice.gov.ae), the Abu Dhabi Police portal, or the MoI UAE app, using your Emirates ID or licence number.
Do black points expire in the UAE?
Yes. Black points remain on your record for 12 months from the violation date, then drop off automatically provided you have not been suspended.
What happens at 24 black points?
At 24 black points your vehicle can be impounded and your licence confiscated, after which you must reapply and may need to retrain before driving again.