No need to hide it, we’ve all been there. Running late, traffic piling up, and that wide-open bus lane looking oh-so tempting. But here’s the thing, parking or driving where you’re not supposed to can cost you more than just a guilty conscience. Dubai takes its bus lanes very seriously, and the fines are no joke. Let’s break down everything you need to know so you don’t end up with an unwanted surprise on your Dubai Police app.
Also read: This Life Hack Will Let You Use Dubai Public Transportation For FREE!
Parking In Bus Zones = Instant Fine
Think that empty bus stop looks like a quick spot to park for “just two minutes”? Think again. The RTA has made it clear: parking in areas reserved for buses disrupts public transport and will set you back AED 200. Not exactly the cheap pit stop you had in mind, right?
Driving In Bus Lanes? A Big No, No
Dubai has special bus-only lanes, painted with a bold red strip and big “Only Bus” road signs you really can’t miss. These lanes are strictly for buses, taxis, and emergency vehicles. If you think sneaking into one will save you time in traffic, radar cameras are watching, and a hefty fine of AED 600 will be waiting for you. These lanes are designed to make buses faster and more efficient, especially on routes that usually get jammed. So unless you’re in a bus, taxi, ambulance, or police car, it’s best to steer clear.
Where You’ll Find Bus Lanes In Dubai
Dedicated bus lanes are already part of Dubai’s road network, and more are on the way. For now, you’ll spot them at:
- Naif Street – 1 km
- Al Ittihad Road – near Al Mamzar toll gate (500 m)
- Al Mina Street – 1.7 km from Kuwait Street to Falcon Intersection
- Al Mankhool Street – 1.8 km from Al Satwa Roundabout to Sheikh Rashid Street
- Al Khaleej Street – 1.7 km from Creek Street to Al Musalla Street
- Khalid Bin Al Waleed Street – 100 m from Al Mina Street Intersection to Street 16
- Al Ghubaiba Street – 500 m from Al Mina Street Intersection to Street 12
And that’s not all, the RTA is rolling out 6 new bus and taxi lanes spanning 13 kilometres, which means soon Dubai will have 20 kilometres of lanes just for them.
How to Check Your Traffic Fines In Dubai
If you’re worried you may have already been caught, don’t panic. Checking fines in Dubai is quick and easy. You’ve got plenty of options:
Online
- Dubai Police Website – enter your plate, license, or file number to see and pay fines.
- RTA Website – head to “Traffic Fines” under Drivers & Vehicles and search by your plate number.
- Dubai Police App / RTA Dubai App – download, log in, and check instantly.
- Dubai Now App – tap on the “Traffic” icon and view fines.
Offline
- Traffic Department – visit with your ID, registration, and insurance details.
- Payment Kiosks – scattered around the city for easy fine checking and payments.
What About Abu Dhabi Fines – Can You Pay Them In Dubai?
Here’s some good news. If you get fined in Abu Dhabi but live in Dubai, you don’t have to drive all the way over to settle it. You can pay Abu Dhabi traffic fines right here in Dubai through the Ministry of Interior (MOI) website/app, Abu Dhabi Police platforms, or even at banks and exchange houses.
Make Sure To Keep A Watchful Eye On The Road
Bus lanes in Dubai aren’t shortcuts for drivers, they’re dedicated just for public transport. A quick shortcut might look tempting in traffic, but trust us, it’s not worth the AED 600 dent in your wallet. Stick to the regular lanes, avoid bus stops, and you’ll keep both your record and your budget safe.
