Commuter Alert: Fines ranging up to AED 2,000 for breaking Dubai Metro regulations
The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in Dubai has issued a list of violations for users of the Dubai Metro, with fines ranging from AED 100 to AED 2,000 depending on the nature and severity of the violation.
Minor offences carry a fine of AED 100. These include eating, drinking, or chewing gum on trains; putting feet on seats; entering restricted areas or cabins; misusing escalators; causing disturbance; or sitting in reserved zones.
Moderate offences are punishable by fines between AED 200 and AED 500. Fare evasion typically results in a AED 200 fine per violation. Using invalid, expired, unauthorized, or other people's Nol cards can incur fines between AED 200 and AED 500. Selling Nol cards without RTA approval is also penalized.
Serious safety violations can result in fines as high as AED 2,000. Actions such as tampering with emergency devices, damaging metro equipment, or other behaviors that compromise passenger safety fall under this category.
Other offences include sleeping in metro shelters or restricted areas, which is punishable by a fine of Dh300. Failing to present a valid unified Nol card upon request is a fare-related offense, and offenders may face fines ranging from Dh100 to Dh2,000, depending on the severity of the violation.
Transporting hazardous items or flammable materials on the Dubai Metro attracts a fine of Dh1,000. Misconduct and behavioral violations, such as smoking, littering, spitting, or distracting the train driver, carry a fine of Dh200. Selling Nol cards without RTA approval, using a card designated for someone else, carrying alcohol on the metro, or using a counterfeit Nol card are all fare-related offences and attract a fine of Dh500.
Ignoring official instructions or bringing unauthorized items can lead to fines, as can parking vehicles beyond the allowed time at metro parking spots. Drivers who park in designated metro parking areas beyond the permitted period are fined Dh100 per day, up to a maximum of Dh1,000. Entering restricted areas, being in non-passenger zones, or bringing animals (except guide dogs) in metro stations is punishable by a fine of Dh100.
Fines can be paid online via the RTA website or app, at kiosks, or Customer Happiness Centres. The RTA enforces these rules to maintain safety, cleanliness, and order on the metro.
In summary, fines escalate according to the severity of the offence: - Minor misconduct = AED 100 - Fare evasion/invalid card use = AED 200–500 - Safety breaches/damaging property = up to AED 2,000 - Other offences (e.g., transporting hazardous items, misconduct, or parking violations) = fines ranging from AED 100 to AED 2,000, depending on the severity of the violation.
- One might enccounter fines for various lifestyle violations while using the Dubai Metro, such as sleeping in metro shelters or restricted areas, or bringing animals to metro stations, each punishable by a fine of up to AED 100.
- Violations in the realm of finance, like selling Nol cards without RTA approval, using a card not designated for oneself, carrying counterfeit Nol cards, or transporting hazardous items or flammable materials, can attract fines ranging from AED 500 to AED 1,000.
- Those engaging in serious safety violations, such as tampering with emergency devices, damaging metro equipment, or smoking on the train, may face fines reaching as high as AED 2,000. Additionally, real estate-related offenses like parking vehicles beyond the allowed time at metro parking spots can result in fines, with daily fines of up to AED 100 and a maximum of AED 1,000.
