Dirty Vehicle? Avoid AED3,000 Fine with These Tips
Washing your car might seem like a harmless activity, but in the UAE, it’s important to know the rules to avoid fines. Washing vehicles in undesignated public areas such as streets, parking lots, and parks is prohibited in many parts of the Emirates. Civic authorities spend a lot on keeping the cities clean, and they encourage residents to do their part by adhering to these rules.
Why Is Car Washing in Public Areas Prohibited?
The law against washing cars in public spaces is designed to protect the environment, reduce water wastage, and maintain the aesthetic quality of urban areas. Water runoff from car washing often spills onto pavements and streets, which can overwhelm drainage systems and lead to contamination in nearby water bodies. Additionally, the use of cleaning chemicals can harm the environment and damage public infrastructure, such as roads and sidewalks.
Where Can You Wash Your Car?
Car washing is only allowed in designated car wash facilities or at petrol stations. These locations are specifically set up to manage water usage responsibly and handle waste properly. This ensures that cleaning doesn’t negatively impact the environment or urban cleanliness.
If you live in a villa within a controlled compound, you may be allowed to wash your car, provided that the water doesn’t spill or splash into public spaces. However, in community villas or residential areas, you could face fines if washing your car causes water runoff that affects shared spaces.
Read More: These are the New Traffic Fines in the UAE
What Are the Fines for Washing Your Car in Public?
Washing your car in public areas can result in hefty fines. In both Dubai and Abu Dhabi, if you're caught washing your car in streets, parking lots, or public spaces, you could face a fine of AED500.
In some cases, there is also a "dirty car" penalty. If you leave your car unwashed and parked in public spaces for too long, you can be fined AED500 in Dubai. In Abu Dhabi, leaving a dirty car unattended in public spaces can result in a penalty of AED3,000, and the vehicle may be impounded.
Sharjah's Strict Rules on Illegal Car Washing
In Sharjah, the penalties are also strict. If you hire an unlicensed car washer to clean your vehicle in public areas or residential streets, you could face a fine of AED250. Similarly, unauthorised car washers face a AED500 fine. The municipality is serious about cracking down on illegal car washing as it leads to environmental pollution and unsightly conditions in neighborhoods.
The Best Way to Avoid Fines
To avoid fines and contribute to a cleaner environment, it’s best to use licensed car wash facilities or wash your car on private property. If you're going away for an extended period, consider parking your car in authorized private parking lots that are responsible for keeping your vehicle clean and maintained.