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UAE: What to do if your car gets impounded; release eligibility, service fee explained

Here is your guide on how to get your car back from the impound in the following emirates

Published: Sun 18 Aug 2024, 5:45 PM

Updated: Sat 26 Oct 2024, 7:16 PM

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Vehicle impoundments, which is usually imposed along with a heavy fine and black points, falls among the list of heftier penalties in the UAE. Under this, vehicles are either impounded at a provided location. During this period, the vehicle is not to be used.

The penalty may be imposed in case of serious violations that can range from jumping signals to modifying cars to increase noise.

To retrieve the vehicle after it has been towed away by authorities, the release process may differ from city to city. From release fees to eligibility, here is a complete guide on getting your car back from the impound in the following emirates:

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Abu Dhabi

If your car gets impounded in Abu Dhabi, you can manage the situation conveniently online by registering and signing in to the website tamm.abudhabi. You can do it by logging in to the website through your UAE Pass account. If you don't have a UAE Pass account, you may sign in using your phone number or email address.

  • Once you're on the home page, click 'Drive &Transport'.
  • Click 'Fines & Violations' on the left side of the page.
  • Choose 'Release Impounded Vehicle Certificate'.
  • Click 'Submit a Request', where you can fill in either your driving licence or plate number.
Photo: Abu Dhabi Government website

Photo: Abu Dhabi Government website

Once you've completed all the necessary steps, you will receive a confirmation through SMS or email.

Aside from this online option, you can also check with Abu Dhabi Police regarding the status of your car that got impounded. You can email or call if you wish to go to the impound location to have have your request processed there, make sure you've reached out to the authorities first to ensure clear understanding of the matter.

Dubai

If your car gets impounded in Dubai, you can manage the situation online as well. You can file a request through the Dubai Police website or Dubai Police app.

Dubai Police app

  • Tap 'Fines Inquiry and Payment'.
  • You will be asked to enter your plate details such as the code and plate number.
  • Fill in your TC number, licence number, and ticket number.
  • Fill out the application form.
  • Pay the necessary fees using your debit card or credit card.
  • You will then receive your transaction number via SMS and email.

Dubai Police website

  • When you're on the home page, click 'Traffic Services'.
  • Choose 'Smart Impound'.
  • Fill out the application form.
  • Pay the necessary fees using your debit card or credit card.
  • You will then receive your reference number via SMS and email.

You can also directly go to Dubai Traffic Department in Al Twar 1 to file a request regarding the release of your impounded car. Make sure you fill out your application form and have your necessary documents with you to ensure a seamless process.

Sharjah

If you get your car confiscated in Sharjah and you want to recover it, you need to visit Sharjah Municipality. You can also hasten the process by completing an online application form:

  • Go to Sharjah website portal.shjmun.gov.ae.
  • On the home page, click ‘Release of Impounded Vehicle’
Photo: Sharjah Municipality website

Photo: Sharjah Municipality website

  • Click ‘Enter the Service’
  • You can either search by Chasis number or plate number.
  • For 'Plate Emirates' tab, choose the emirate where your plate was issued from.
  • On the 'Plate Type' tab, scroll down in the dropdown menu where you will see options such as 'Private, Taxi, motorcycle, public transport'. Choose one that applies.
  • Click ‘Search’
  • The website will then show you details about your car and you can then follow the instructions.
  • Fill in the application form with the required details such as your name, phone number, driving licence, and plate number.
  • You need to pay your fines first before you can print your application form.

One you've printed the application, you can then visit the Traffic Department of Sharjah, where you can file your request to have your car released from the impound. If you're busy and can't go to the location yourself, you can also send your legal representative. You or your legal representative can reach out to the operations and inspection department as well as the vehicle impoundment division of Sharjah, located in the industrial area 3.

You will need to present the original documents proving your ownership of the vehicle. You can then claim your vehicle release letter, after getting the application approved by the traffic department's follow-up section.

If the vehicle that got confiscated is registered in a company name, the company owner, partner or representative must approach the department.

Ajman

If you get your car impounded in Ajman, you need to follow these steps to retrieve it:

You can submit a request to have it released by going to the website ajman.ae.

  • Once you're on the homepage, click 'Service Directory'
  • Go to 'Municipality and Planning Department'.
  • Click 'Impounded Vehicle Release'.
  • Click ‘How to Apply’
  • Click ‘Start the Service’
Photo: Ajman Municipality website

Photo: Ajman Municipality website

  • Fill in the necessary information such as your name, mobile number, and driving licence number.
  • As soon as you've submitted your request, you will receive a confirmation whether the transaction was approved or rejected.
  • Pay the required fees. The fees will depend on the type of violation committed.
  • You will then receive your vehicle impoundment release certificate.
  • Collect your car from the vehicle impoundment service centre.

Eligibility

UAE citizens, residents, and tourists are eligible for this service. Citizens from GCC countries, as well as government institutions and private companies can also benefit from this service.

Requirements

Abu Dhabi

You will need to present your original driving licence, Emirates ID, and vehicle registration.

Dubai

You need to present your Emirates ID, driver's licence, vehicle plate number, traffic file number, and traffic fine number.

Sharjah

Present your vehicle registration card, possession certificate, export certificate or custom card to the authorities. You also need to bring your Emirates ID and a copy of your valid trade licence. If you're sending a representative or proxy, make sure he/she has a duly notarised power of attorney.

Ajman

Present a copy of vehicle ownership, vehicle possession or export papers, or vehicle data from traffic authority. If the car is without ownership, you need to present a traffic management letter. If you're a tourist that got your car impounded, you will need to present your passport or commercial licence.

Fees

Abu Dhabi

The cost will depend on the type of violation committed that resulted in your car's impoundment. You will need to submit a service request to know how much you need to pay. Once you've paid the fees accordingly, you will then receive the receipt for 'Impounded Vehicle Charges'.

If you choose to have your car impounded at home, you only need to pay Dh15 per day for the service. You may also be asked to pay more, depending on the type of violation committed.

Dubai

You will need to pay Dh400 for service fees. You also need to pay Dh20 for knowledge and innovation fees. If you request for more time, you have to pay Dh100 for each added month that your car was at the impound.

Sharjah

You will need to pay Dh100 for vehicle release certifications for your confiscated vehicle. If you don't get your car back within the impounding period, you will have to pay Dh50 in storage fees.

Ajman

You will need to pay Dh300 to have your car released from the impound location. If your car needs to be transferred and sent to you, you will pay Dh100 if your vehicle is light and Dh600 if your car is considered heavy. You will also need to pay Dh15 for administrative, ground, and guard fees for each booking day. If your car needs to be transferred by boat, you have to pay Dh200, and Dh1,000 if it's going to be transferred via a caravan.



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