In the UAE, a strict law prohibits people from washing their cars to protect the environment and prevent water from being wasted. Like in other countries, you cannot wash your car outside your home, on the street, or in public places. If you do, you can be fined between AED 500 to AED 3000. In this post, we will discuss how to avoid car wash fines, the laws, and where you can wash your car.
Is it legal to wash cars in public places in the UAE?
Washing a car or any vehicle is illegal in the UAE. You are not allowed to wash your car anywhere, be it on roads, parking lots, parks, or other public areas. Most people living there are very careful not to wash a dirty car in any place where there is water flow and water is wasted.
Why UAE Ban the Car Wash at Home or Public Places?
- Environmental pollution prevention: When washing a car, many types of chemicals are used on it, which poses a risk of spreading pollution.
- Water conservation: The UAE has a huge water problem, largely due to its location in the desert. Washing a car wastes precious water, so it is very important to save it.
- Cleaning urban areas: This causes water to spread and creates dirt in the streets or public places. This requires more effort in cleaning and can spoil the aesthetic appearance of the city.
Read Also: Ajman Traffic Fines Discount – How to get 50% Discount on Traffic Fines
Public car washing restrictions:
Residents of Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and other major cities cannot wash their cars in public places, nor is it permitted by law. Washing your car, especially on the streets or in parking lots, can result in a fine of up to AED 500.
Using a licensed car wash:
There are licensed car washes or petrol stations in the UAE, such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi. You can go to any nearby car service station to get your car, bike, etc. serviced. Since it is a service station, they are very responsible for using less water and properly disposing of waste during the washing process. If you visit these stations to wash your dirty car, you can avoid a hefty fine.
Washing a car on private property
The government allows washing a car in a villa or private property, but there are several conditions that you must meet.
- Water flow: If your villa or private property is in a controlled compound and your water does not flow to public places, you can wash your car.
- Washing a car in a community villa: If you live in a community villa and the water flows to the streets or public places after washing your car, you may be fined. In such a situation, you are prohibited from washing your car.
Make sure your car wash doesn’t disturb other people and doesn’t spread dirt.
Fines for Dirty Cars – Is there a Fine for a Dirty Car in Dubai?
Just as big cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi have a ban on washing cars, there is also a ban on keeping your car dirty. If you don’t wash your car for a long time and it gets very dirty, you can be fined.
Car owners whose cars are parked in the parking lot without cleaning for a long time can be fined 500 dirhams. This law is not only to maintain cleanliness but also to improve the aesthetic condition of the city.
Ways to Avoid Fines
You can avoid fines by taking the following precautions:
- Use a licensed car wash
- If your villa is in a controlled compound, you are allowed to wash your car. As long as the water flow is not in public areas.
- Do not allow the water flow to flow to other areas.
- Do not leave a dirty car in public areas or a parking lot.
Conclusion
Washing your car in the UAE not only pollutes the environment, it also wastes water. Always use a licensed car wash and do not park your car in a public place or parking lot after it is dirty. If you have a private place or villa, wash your car there but make sure that the water does not come out. Using this guide, you can avoid heavy fines. If you are coming to Dubai, read the new guide UAE Visit Visa Rules and Documentation for visitors that can help you prevent rejection of the Visit visa application.
