Abu Dhabi Issues AED 1,000 Fine For Sudden Road Stops & A Guide To Reduce Black Points

Truth be told, every driver has had that “oops” moment on the road. Maybe you braked too suddenly, maybe you drifted lanes without a signal, or maybe you thought that a quick stop wouldn’t hurt anyone. Next thing you know, black points are sitting on your licence like a bad report card. Abu Dhabi has issued a guide to help you out. But here’s the silver lining: Abu Dhabi Police are giving motorists a proper chance to wipe the slate clean, and they’re doing it during one of the capital’s biggest events, ADIHEX 2025.

Abu Dhabi Police Wants You To Clear Black Points On Your License

 

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For those not in the loop, ADIHEX (that’s the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition) runs until 7 September at ADNEC. Think of it as a mash-up of tradition, lifestyle, and a bit of spectacle, falconry, equestrian sports, crafts, camping gear, even camels and salukis this year. Over 100,000 visitors from 40+ countries are expected to pour in. With that kind of footfall, it’s hardly surprising the police decided this was the perfect stage to roll out their awareness workshops.

A Chance To Start Fresh

So, let’s cut to the chase. How does this “get-out-of-jail” card work in practice? Well, it depends on how many points you’ve racked up. If you’ve got fewer than 24 points, you can shave off eight points by attending a reduction course. The catch? It’ll cost you AED800. A bit of a sting, but let’s face it, better than risking a suspension later.

Now, if you’ve hit the dreaded 24-point ceiling, things get tricky. Normally, that’s licence revoked territory. But the police are offering a lifeline. Sign up for an AED2,400 course at the ADIHEX stand, sit through the training, and you could save your licence from the shredder. Painful on the wallet, yes, but a lot less painful than being car-less in Abu Dhabi.

What’s refreshing here is the approach. Instead of dishing out punishment after punishment, the police are leaning into education. The courses aren’t just about ticking boxes; they’re designed to drill home why responsible driving matters in the first place.

Why The Crackdown Now?

Of course, this scheme isn’t happening in a vacuum. Abu Dhabi Police have also been issuing warnings about one of the city’s most frustrating habits, sudden road stops. And they’re not mincing words. Pull over in the middle of the road without a good reason and you’re staring at an AED1,000 fine, six black points, plus another AED500 if you’ve blocked traffic. Costly, reckless, and frankly, dangerous.

The campaign is clear in its messaging: don’t stop where you shouldn’t. If it’s a minor accident, move to a safe spot before reporting it on the app. If your car breaks down, only use the hard shoulder, keep your hazards on, and set up warning signs until you can get off the road. These aren’t new rules, but too many drivers ignore them, and the results can be deadly.

All of this comes at a time when the city is also tweaking its toll system. From 1 September 2025, Darb will extend peak evening hours, with commuters paying AED4 per crossing from 3 pm all the way through 7 pm, on top of the morning rush. Daily and monthly fee caps are out the window. Translation: your bills might creep up if you’re crossing often.

Also Read: Abu Dhabi Police Relays Information On The Official Use Of Cameras By Officers; Details Inside

So yes, the authorities are tightening the screws. But to be fair, the message is consistent: keep the traffic flowing, avoid those sudden stops, and use your head on the road. In practice, that means fewer accidents, smoother commutes, and hopefully, a safer city for all of us.

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