To avoid a large bill when it is time to re-register a vehicle, residents should regularly check that they do not have any outstanding traffic or parking fines.
The Ministry of Interior has a centralised federal traffic fines payment system that allows residents to check for citations issued from any emirate.
The website is available through most emirates' official government or police sites.
In Dubai, a separate link is also available on the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) website. Salik fines are also available on the RTA site.
The form asks motorists to input information about their licences or vehicles to check for fines.
A traffic code, or TC number, is required to access the RTA system in Dubai, as well as the date of birth of the licence holder of the vehicle, and a vaild GCC credit card or debit card.
"The online system is set up to make it easy for motorists to check their information from home," an RTA representative said. "The payment can be made online with a credit card and takes only a few minutes."
The system also provides a black points counter for traffic violations such as jumping a red light and reckless driving. Exceeding 24 black points in a first offence leads to a three-month licence suspension.
In Abu Dhabi, the government site requests motorists scan their Emirates ID to get access to the online system. The federal system works without the card.
Residents can also pay fines in person at Abu Dhabi's traffic and licencing department or at an RTA service centre in Dubai. A 24-hour automated telephone system is available at 6005 33333.
jthomas@thenational.ae
