You are driving through Dubai when you realise your vehicle registration has expired last week. What happens next? Can you still drive your car? This guide answers these questions with the latest UAE rules, grace periods, penalties, and renewal steps for 2025.
What Is Mulkiya?
In the UAE, Mulkiya is your official vehicle registration card. It shows your vehicle details, owner’s name, and expiry date. Driving without a valid Mulkiya is a legal offence in every emirate. If you are new to the process, here’s a full guide on how to register a car in the UAE.
Grace Period For Each Emirate
| Emirate | Grace Period |
| Dubai | 30 days |
| Abu Dhabi | None |
| Sharjah | 90 days |
| Other Emirates | Usually 30 days |
What Is the General Rule Across the UAE For Expired Car Registration?
You must not drive with an expired registration.
It can lead to:
- Heavy fines
- Black points
- Vehicle impoundment
- Insurance claims are being rejected
What Happens If Your Car Registration Expires In Dubai?
- Grace Period: 30 days after expiry to renew.
- Penalties After Grace Period: Fine: AED 500 to AED 3,000; 4–8 black points depending on the delay; Possible 7-day impoundment
- Insurance cover may be void even within the grace period. So, driving your car is not suggested.
- For step-by-step renewal in the emirate, see car registration renewal in Dubai.
What Happens If Your Car Registration Expires In Abu Dhabi?
- No grace period: stop driving immediately after expiry.
- Penalties: AED 500 fine for first offence; Risk of impoundment after 30 days; Storage fees: AED 25/day (up to AED 3,000)
- Can increase your next insurance premium by up to 15%
- Temporary permits may be given for travel to inspection centres.
- Check the latest Abu Dhabi traffic fines and violations to understand the risks.
What Happens If Your Car Registration Expires In Sharjah?
- 90-day grace period before penalties apply.
- After the grace period: AED 400 fine; 4 black points; 7-day impoundment.
- You can follow this detailed guide on how to renew car registration in Sharjah to complete the process without penalties.
What Happens If Your Car Registration Expires In Other Emirates?
- Most follow Dubai’s 30-day grace period.
- Camera systems now detect expired registrations in many locations.
- Driving between emirates increases the risk of fines.
What’s New in 2025?
- Stricter camera enforcement in more emirates
- Higher fines even for short expiry delays
- Insurance penalties are more common
- Grace periods under review in some areas
How Can You Avoid Penalties For Expired Registration?
- Do not rely on grace periods — renew before expiry.
- Start the renewal process at least two weeks in advance.
- Use official channels: RTA website or TAMM or MOI smart services
- Clear all fines before renewal.
- Get your vehicle inspected if required.
- Avoid driving between emirates with expired registration.
- Set reminders for renewal dates.
How To Renew Registration In The UAE
- Check Expiry Date – on your Mulkiya card or through official apps.
- Pay Outstanding Fines – through RTA, TAMM, or MOI platforms.
- Vehicle Inspection – complete if your vehicle is over three years old.
- Submit Renewal Request – online or at service centres.
- Receive Updated Mulkiya – digitally or via courier.
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FAQs
Can I drive if my registration has expired but my insurance is still valid?
Even with valid insurance, driving with expired registration is illegal. You may face fines, black points, impoundment, and insurance claims could be refused if an accident occurs. Always renew before expiry.
Is there a grace period for expired registration in the UAE?
Yes. Typically, the grace period is around 30 days in emirates like Dubai, though Abu Dhabi applies no grace. Sharjah may offer up to 90 days. But relying on it isn’t safe.
What are the fines for driving with an expired Mulkiya in Dubai?
Penalties start at around AED 500 and 4 black points. Late fees may apply, and escalating fines can reach AED 3,000. Vehicles may also be impounded.
Does driving with expired registration invalidate my insurance?
Yes. Insurance coverage may be considered void if your Mulkiya is not valid—even during a grace period—especially at the time of an accident.
What should I do immediately if my registration expires?
Stop driving right away. Pay outstanding fines, book and complete the required vehicle inspection (if needed), then renew your registration via RTA (Dubai) or TAMM/MOI platforms.
You are driving through Dubai when you realise your vehicle registration has expired last week. What happens next? Can you still drive your car? This guide answers these questions with the latest UAE rules, grace periods, penalties, and renewal steps
