Car wash rules in UAE: How to avoid up to Dh3,000 fine for dirty vehicles

Is it legal to wash cars in public areas in the UAE?

Washing cars in undesignated areas, whether outside homes in closed communities or in front of buildings, is not permitted in some cities of the Emirates. This applies to all public spaces, including streets, parking lots, parks, and any other communal areas.

Civic authorities in the UAE spend significantly on maintaining the Emirate's cleanliness and beauty, and they encourage residents to do their part as well. The policy also aims to reduce water wastage and prevent environmental pollution while preserving the cleanliness of urban areas.

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Car washing is permitted only in designated car wash facilities and at petrol stations. These locations are equipped to handle the process responsibly, ensuring that water usage is controlled and waste is properly managed.

Why you are fined

Washing your car in public areas is illegal and can result in fines. Dubai and Abu Dhabi residents face a Dh500 fine if they wash their vehicles in streets, parking lots, or public spaces.

You can wash vehicles in your villa, provided certain conditions are met. Local municipalities state that if your villa is within a controlled compound, and the water used for washing does not spill or splash into public areas, then you are permitted to wash your car.

However, in a community villa, you could face fines or penalties if washing your car results in water runoff spilling into the streets or common areas.

Water runoff often accumulates on pavements, and when drainage systems overflow, pollutants are washed into nearby ponds and lakes, leading to contamination. This creates the need for frequent cleaning and maintenance efforts.

In some instances, residents inadvertently contribute to the problem by using cleaning materials or chemicals, which then flows into shared spaces and settles in the interlocked pavement areas. This can damage the pavement and cause the underlying asphalt to sink, increasing maintenance costs.

Residents found in breach of these rules will receive a Notice of Violation (NOV) and may be subject to a penalty of Dh500.

'Dirty car' penalty

In Dubai, vehicle owners who leave dirty or unkempt cars parked in public spaces can face a fine of Dh500 if caught by the city's civic authorities. Leaving unwashed vehicles in public parking for extended periods not only affects the cleanliness but also tarnishes the aesthetic appearance of the city.

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