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TL;DR
- Dubai drivers can earn up to 24 White Points per year by not committing any traffic, Salik, or parking violations.
- White Points can be used to cancel up to 12 black points, a violation, or reduce impoundment penalties.
- Points are automatically calculated, but you can only check them after one year by calling 901 or visiting the
Dubai Police Traffic Department. - If a violation occurs, even while driving someone else’s car, you and the car owner lose your White Points for that year.
Since 2012, Dubai has been running a unique system to reward safe and disciplined driving. While many drivers are familiar with black points, which are penalties given for serious traffic violation, fewer may know that there’s also a system of White Points designed to recognise and encourage responsible behaviour behind the wheel. This initiative by Dubai Police has quietly been offering meaningful benefits to motorists who consistently follow traffic laws. This article breaks down exactly how the White Points system works, who is eligible, how points are earned and redeemed, and how they can help offset penalties, all in simple terms.
What Are White Points, and Why Do They Matter?
The White Points system was launched by Dubai Police in 2012 to motivate motorists to maintain a spotless driving record. It’s not just a symbolic gesture, drivers who qualify can receive real benefits that can help them reduce penalties or avoid costs. Unlike black points, which are given for offenses, White Points reward good behaviour. Drivers who avoid traffic violations and fines for an entire calendar year can earn these points.The system is available to drivers who hold a licence issued by the Dubai Government, and it considers violations committed both in Dubai and across other Emirates.
How to Qualify: What You Need to Do (or Not Do)
To start accumulating White Points, a driver must meet three specific conditions throughout the year:
- No traffic violations in Dubai or any of the other emirates.
- No Salik fines (Salik is the electronic toll system used in Dubai).
- No parking fines or traffic prosecution cases.
That means even small infractions, like unpaid parking meters or minor Salik toll violations, will disqualify you for that year. Drivers who meet all these requirements automatically start earning White Points, there’s no need to apply or register.
How Many Points Can You Earn?
The system is designed to recognise consistency over time. Drivers earn 2 White Points per month, and if they maintain a clean record for the full year, they will accumulate 24 White Points in total. However, these points are not visible in real-time like black points. You can only check your White Point total after a full year has passed, and only by calling the Dubai Police’s non-emergency hotline (901) or by visiting the Dubai Police Traffic Department in person.
How to Use White Points: What They Can Get You
White Points are more than just a pat on the back. They can be used once per year to offset certain penalties or fees. These are the four ways you can use them:
- Exchange White Points for Black Points: You can trade up to 12 black points for an equivalent number of white points.
- Cancel Vehicle Impoundment: If your car was impounded due to a traffic violation, White Points can help you waive up to 30 days of impoundment.
- Cancel a Non-Serious Violation: You may use them to cancel a traffic violation that doesn’t carry black points or vehicle impoundment.
- Waive Fees for Extra Impoundment Time: If your vehicle was impounded for longer than the mandatory period, White Points can cancel up to 30 days of the extra fee.
This system becomes especially helpful for drivers who may have accumulated black points unintentionally. It can also provide relief from administrative and financial penalties in cases where the infraction is minor or borderline.
What Happens If You Violate the Rules?
If at any point during the year a violation is recorded against your licence, whether it’s a traffic violation, a Salik fine, or a parking ticket, you immediately become ineligible for White Points that year. Additionally, if a driver violates rules while using someone else’s vehicle, not only does their eligibility get cancelled, but the vehicle owner’s White Points are revoked too. This reinforces shared responsibility for road safety between drivers and vehicle owners.
No White Points? Here’s Another Option
If you’ve already collected black points and aren’t eligible for White Points, there’s still a practical way to reduce the damage. Dubai Police offers specialised traffic training courses aimed at helping drivers regain control of their records and avoid future violations. These courses are designed to educate drivers on:
- Why black points accumulate
- How to avoid common driving mistakes
- How to build safer habits and become eligible for White Points in the future
If you’re worried about racking up black points, especially if you fall into the 8 to 23 black point range, this program could be a crucial lifeline. By successfully completing the course, drivers can deduct up to 8 points from their record.
FAQs:
Q1: Who can earn White Points? Drivers with a valid Dubai-issued driving licence who go one full year without any traffic, Salik, or parking violations.Q2: How many White Points can I get? You can earn 2 points per month, up to a total of 24 points in one year.Q3: How can I check my White Points? Call Dubai Police at 901 or visit the Traffic Department after one year has passed.Q4: What if I already have black points? You can use your White Points to reduce them, or enrol in a traffic training course to remove up to 8 black points if you have between 8 and 23.
