- How Dubai-Registered Cars Park in Sharjah
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- FAQ
Driving a Dubai car in Sharjah? This guide on Sharjah Parking for Dubai Plates explains the rules clearly. Understand payment methods, zone types, and essential tips to park safely and avoid fines during your visit
How Dubai-Registered Cars Park in Sharjah
When you drive a Dubai registered car into Sharjah, you will find some key differences from parking back in Dubai. Knowing these details is vital for smooth Sharjah parking for Dubai plate vehicles. Let's look at the main points you need to remember.
3 Key Differences from Dubai Parking
Sharjah has its own set of rules for parking timings and zones. These might feel a little different if you are used to Dubai’s system.
Zone Identification:In Sharjah, always look for the unique blue and white signs. These signs clearly show the Sharjah parking zones with codes like "Zone 12A" or "Zone B." Each code refers to a specific area. These signs are different from Dubai, so pay close attention. Knowing your zone code is the first step to paying correctly. Incorrect zone selection can lead to unexpected parking fines.
Timing Variations:Paid parking in Sharjah typically runs from 8 AM to 10 PM. This applies from Saturday to Thursday. This is a longer period than some might expect. Big news for your weekend plans:Fridays are usually free for Sharjah parking. However, always double-check during public holidays like Eid, as rules can change. Be sure to note these parking timings specific to Sharjah.
Permit Requirements:If you hold a Dubai plate, you generally cannot get a monthly or long-term parking permit for Sharjah. These special permits are mostly for people who live in Sharjah and have a local Emirates ID. For this reason, a Dubai registered car will almost always need to pay for parking each time it parks in Sharjah. This makes daily payment methods very important for visitors.
Payment Methods That Work
Paying for Sharjah parking for Dubai plate cars is simple once you know the right ways. Here are the most common and easy methods:
Mawaqif App:This is the most modern and often easiest way to pay. The Mawaqif app is Sharjah's official parking application. You can download it to your smartphone. When setting it up, make sure to select the "Visitor" profile. This app lets you:* Find available parking spots. * Pay for your parking time quickly from anywhere. * Extend your parking period if you need more time. * It's highly recommended for frequent visitors in a Dubai registered car.
SMS to 5555:This is a fast way to pay if you do not have the app. You simply send a text message to the number 5555. The message should contain your car's plate number, followed by a space, then the Sharjah parking zone code. For example, if your plate is A12345 and the zone is A2, you would text "A12345 A2". The cost of parking is then added to your mobile phone bill. Always make sure your SMS format is correct to avoid a parking fine.
Paper Tickets from Parking Meters:You can find many parking meters in different Sharjah parking zones. These machines print a paper ticket. You insert coins or use a parking card. Typical costs range from 2 to 5 AED (approximately 0.54 to 1.36 SAR) per hour, depending on the zone. Once you get your ticket, place it clearly on your car's dashboard. This way, parking inspectors can easily see it. This method works well for short stays.
Payment Option |
Best For |
Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
Mobile App |
Frequent users |
Instant |
SMS |
One-time parking |
2-5 minutes |
Meter Tickets |
Short stays |
Immediate |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even with the right knowledge, it is easy to make small errors that can lead to parking fines when you are doing Sharjah parking for Dubai plate vehicles. Be aware of these common mistakes:
Not Checking Color-Coded Curbs:The paint on the curb next to the street tells you important things about the parking spot. * White curbs usually mean free parking spots. * Blue curbs show that it is a paid parking zone, and you must pay for your spot. * Yellow curbs mean no stopping or parking at all, usually due to safety reasons or traffic flow. * Parking in the wrong color zone without paying, or where parking is not allowed, will surely lead to a parking fine.
Forgetting Friday Exemptions Don't Apply During Eid Holidays:While most Fridays offer free Sharjah parking, this rule often changes for public holidays like Eid. During these special times, paid parking rules might still be in effect. Always check official announcements or the Mawaqif app for the most updated parking timings during holidays, especially for your Dubai registered car.
Using Expired Dubai Parking Permits:A common mistake for Dubai registered cars is to assume that existing Dubai parking permits are valid in Sharjah. This is incorrect. Dubai parking permits are only for Dubai. Using one in Sharjah will immediately result in a parking fine. Remember, Sharjah has its own system for parking permits, which, as mentioned, are usually for local residents only.
FAQ
Here are some common questions many drivers with Dubai plates have about Sharjah parking.
Q:Do I need special permits for overnight parking?
A:Generally, no special parking permits are needed for overnight parking in Sharjah. The paid parking period typically ends at 10 PM. After this time, most Sharjah parking zones become free until the start of the next day's paid period. So, if you park your Dubai registered car after 10 PM, you usually do not need to pay until the next morning's parking timings begin again. Always check the specific zone signs for confirmation.
Q:Can I use Dubai parking apps in Sharjah?
A:Unfortunately, no. You cannot use Dubai's RTA parking apps for Sharjah parking. Each emirate has its own separate parking system and apps. For your Dubai registered car in Sharjah, you must use Sharjah's distinct methods. This means relying on the Mawaqif app or the SMS payment system to correctly pay for your spot and avoid parking fines.
Q:What if I get a parking fine while visiting?
A:If your Dubai registered car receives a parking fine in Sharjah, it will be linked to your vehicle's record in Dubai. Fines will typically appear on your Dubai vehicle file. You can usually pay these fines through the Dubai Police app or the RTA portal online. It is always best to pay these fines quickly, within about 15 days, to avoid any extra late payment fees. This also prevents issues when you try to renew your vehicle's registration.
Q:Are electric vehicle zones different?
A:Yes, electric vehicle (EV) zones in Sharjah are special. You will see these spaces marked in green. While charging your EV in these spots might be free, you still need to pay for the parking space itself. This means you must activate the spot through the Mawaqif app to cover the paid parking fee. It is important to remember that even in these special Sharjah parking zones, regular parking timings and rules apply to ensure you do not get a parking fine.
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