Dubai is characterized by a well-structured system of traffic and rigid parking regulations. Nonetheless, wrong or illegal parking remains a frequent occurrence with the city expanding at an alarming rate and traffic jams taking most of the roadway in the city, with vehicles parked illegally and without permits in disabled parking spots.
But you need not feel powerless in case you get into such a situation. RTA and the Dubai Police provide fast and efficient methods of reporting wrong parking.
What Parking Is Seen As Wrong in Dubai?
It is also worth noting that there are also acts that can be described as wrong or illegal parking, before one reports. According to the Dubai traffic laws, the following are some of the violations:
- Parking on the front lawns and doorsteps.
- Parking in an already occupied place (double parking).
- Parking on the pedestrian crossings or sidewalks.
- Using the places that are designated to people of determination (without an appropriate permit)
- Parking within fire lanes or emergency exits.
- Using more parking bays.
- Leaving the car several days in open streets.
- Parking in limited or No parking areas.
Such kinds of offenses may lead not only to the obstruction but also to the traffic congestion and pose a threat to the safety of the vehicle drivers.
How to Report Wrong Parking in Dubai?
In 2025, Dubai has made it very easy for both residents and tourists to report parking rule violations via different means. Let us explore the most effective methods to report it.
Dubai Police App (Fastest and Most Convenient Mode)
The Dubai Police mobile app remains the most reliable and the most practised way of notifying wrong parking.
Steps to report through the app:
- Download or open the Dubai Police App (available for Android and iOS).
- Log in or continue as a guest.
- Go to Traffic Services → Report Traffic Violation.
- Select “Vehicle Obstruction” or “Wrong Parking”.
- Enter the vehicle’s data such as license plate number and color.
- Attach clear photos showing the violation (front, rear, and surrounding area).
- Confirm the exact location (you can use GPS or manually enter it).
- Submit your report and note down the case ID for tracking.
After a report has been made, the Dubai Police usually try to contact the car owner by mobile message, to ask for moving it immediately. In extreme circumstances, the vehicle might be fined or towed.
Call the Non-Emergency Number (901)
If you are unable to access the app, you can report a wrong parking incident through Dubai Police by calling 901.
Steps:
- Dial 901 and navigate to the Traffic Services option.
- Provide details such as:
Location (street name or landmark)
Vehicle make, color, and plate number
Description of the obstruction
- The operator who will record the complaint will also inform the vehicle owner to move it.
In some instances, a traffic patrol may be sent to check the situation if the vehicle does not leave promptly.
Report via Dubai Police Website
You can also file a report online through the official Dubai Police website:
- Visit www.dubaipolice.gov.ae
- Go to Services → Individual Services → Vehicle Obstruction
- Fill out the required information and upload supporting images.
- Submit your report and you will be provided with a reference number.
This method also offers you the flexibility to report while working on a desktop or laptop.
Report Through the RTA (for Public Parking Areas)
Should the violation occur in a paid parking area that is managed by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), you can report it through the RTA’s official channels.
Options include:
RTA Website: Visit www.rta.ae → My Vehicle section → Parking Violations
RTA Helpline: Contact 800 9090 and give the location, vehicle number, and details
The RTA team may send an inspector or notify the police for further action.
Fines and Penalties for Wrong Parking in Dubai (2025)
Dubai Police and RTA are strict in imposing penalties and boneheaded violations to ensure order and safety. The following is a summary of the frequently committed violations and the corresponding fines:
| Violation Type | Fine (AED) | Remarks |
| Blocking traffic or another vehicle | 500 | May lead to towing if not moved |
| Parking on pedestrian crossings | 500 | — |
| Parking in disabled spot (without permit) | 1,000 + 6 black points | Strict enforcement |
| Parking in prohibited zones | 200 | — |
| Double parking | 300 | — |
| Parking on sidewalks | 400 | — |
| Exceeding paid parking time | 100 | — |
Repeat violations or failure to pay fines can lead to the towing of the vehicle and its impoundment.
What Happens After You Report?
After you have filed a complaint, these are the usual steps:
Acknowledgment: You will receive a reference number confirming the report.
Notification: The car owner gets an SMS about moving their vehicle.
Action: If the case is not attended to, the police or RTA officers would go to the site to issue fines or arrange towing.
Closure: If the issue is resolved, you will receive a confirmation.
Tips for Effective Reporting
- Always take clear and timestamped photos of the violation.
- Include visible landmarks in your images for accurate location tracking.
- Use polite and factual descriptions — avoid personal remarks.
- Avoid reporting minor temporary stops (like a few seconds for drop-off).
- Only report genuine violations to prevent the system from being subjected to misuse.
What to Do If Your Car Gets Towed?
Should your vehicle be towed due to illegal parking:
- Prefer to call Dubai Police at 901 to verify whether your vehicle was towed or its current location.
- Check with RTA impound yards if it was directed in an RTA-managed area.
- Pay the applicable fines and the towing fees to collect your vehicle.
- Ensure your traffic file stays clean to avoid further penalties.
Why Reporting Wrong Parking Matters?
Not only is it about convenience — but it is crucial in public safety and accessibility as well. Illegally parked cars can block the route for emergency vehicles, inconvenience citizens, and even pose the risk of accidents.
By reporting such behavior responsibly for just a few minutes, you are actually contributing toward the safety and efficiency of Dubai’s roads and all the people being respectful.
Conclusion
Dubai refuses to acknowledge the rationality of running a smooth traffic system and thus is addressing the problem of improper parking so seriously. Thanks to 2025, when there are a number of ways to do this: websites, applications, or even hotlines, it is easier than ever to report the cases that are out of order.
It can be a blocked driveway, an abandoned car, but it can be quickly reported with the aid of the Dubai Police app or the 901 hotline – Everything will be all right. It will make the roads of Dubai neat, vascular, and safe to all citizens.
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