Expired Car Registration? Your Complete Guide to Avoiding Fines and Vehicle Impoundment in the UAE

You may find yourself in a situation where your car registration has expired without you realizing it, leading to legal and financial trouble. This article provides a comprehensive guide to renewing your vehicle registration (“Mulkiya”) in the UAE and explains how to avoid the potential penalties of driving with expired registration, based on the latest 2025 updates. We cover each emirate’s grace period, fines, and penalties, along with practical tips to keep your vehicle legally compliant.

Grace Periods and Penalties by Emirate

Emirates such as Ras Al Khaimah and Ajman generally follow Dubai’s 30-day grace period policy.

General Rules & Common Risks

• Key Rule: Driving with expired registration is prohibited, even during a grace period.
  
  

• Potential Consequences:
  
  

  • Heavy fines
    
    

  • Black traffic points
    
    

  • Vehicle impoundment
    
    

  • Possible rejection of insurance claims in case of accidents
    
    

Details by Emirate

Dubai

• Grace Period: 30 days after expiry
  
  

• Penalties After Grace Period:
  
  

  • Fine: AED 500–3000
    
    

  • 4–8 black points
    
    

  • Vehicle impoundment up to 7 days
    
    

• Additional Risk: Insurance may be invalid even within grace period.
  
  

Abu Dhabi

• No Grace Period: You must stop driving immediately once registration expires.
  
  

• Penalties:
  
  

  • AED 500 fine
    
    

  • Vehicle impoundment after 30 days + AED 25/day storage (up to AED 3000)
    
    

  • Insurance premiums may increase up to 15% upon renewal
    
    

  • Temporary permits issued for travel to inspection centers only
    
    

Sharjah

• Generous Grace Period: 90 days after expiry
  
  

• Penalties After Grace Period:
  
  

  • AED 400 fine
    
    

  • 4 black points
    
    

  • 7-day vehicle impoundment
    
    

Other Emirates

• Usually follow Dubai’s 30-day grace period system.
  
  

• Smart cameras are used to detect expired registrations across the country.
  
  

New Developments in 2025

• More smart cameras now track expired registrations in additional emirates.
  
  

• Stricter penalties even for short delays.
  
  

• Increasing number of insurance companies refusing coverage for accidents during expiry.
  
  

• Authorities reviewing grace period lengths, with potential reductions in some emirates.
  
  

Practical Tips to Avoid Penalties

1. Don’t rely on the grace period – renew before expiry.
   
   

2. Start the renewal process at least two weeks in advance.
   
   

3. Use official channels: RTA (Dubai), TAMM (Abu Dhabi), or MOI Smart App.
   
   

4. Pay off all pending traffic fines before renewing.
   
   

5. If the vehicle is over three years old, complete a technical inspection.
   
   

6. Avoid driving between emirates with expired registration.
   
   

7. Set up SMS or email reminders for registration expiry dates.
   
   

Step-by-Step Renewal Process

1. Check your expiry date – via Mulkiya card or government apps.
   
   

2. Pay outstanding fines – via RTA, TAMM, or MOI portals.
   
   

3. Vehicle inspection – required if the car is over 3 years old.
   
   

4. Apply for renewal – online or at approved service centers.
   
   

5. Receive your new Mulkiya – instantly digital or printed by post.

This guide gives you everything you need to stay safe and compliant when your car registration expires in the UAE. Whether you’re driving in Dubai or across emirates, renewing on time and using official channels is the best way to avoid fines, black points, and impoundment. A little preparation goes a long way in saving time, money, and hassle.