5 Easy Steps to Dispute an Unfair Dubai RTA Bus Fine

8 min read

Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority imposes strict rules to make the public transport system efficient and fair. However, sometimes technical malfunctions or miscommunication lead to an unfair fine for riding an RTA bus. If you believe that you have been unfairly fined on the RTA bus, you can appeal against it.

Today we have brought you this guide which outlines five simple steps to challenge an unfair fine and increase the chances of revoking it.

Common Reasons for RTA Bus Fines

The RTA monitors the passengers through the automated fare collection system, through their Nol card transactions. In case of a mistake, passengers will face a fine. Most common reasons include:

Not tapping at the starting or end of the bus ride.
Lack of sufficient money in the Nol card. The minimum balance required is AED 7.50.
Invalid usage of the expired Nol card.
Due to a mechanical error, the bus calculates a wrong amount.
Board buses without having valid ticket onboard.

In the case where you board an RTA bus without paying the fare, you can be fined for upto AED 200, but if you followed the steps correctly and were still fined unjustly, you can request it back through the following dispute process.

How to Dispute RTA Bus Fines

Following are steps on how to dispute RTA parking fine or RTA bus fine. The process for both is quite similar, so follow along;

Step 1 - Access to RTA website

First, one should lodge the complaint online, at the RTA website portal.
Use the primary menu and look for 'Public Transport'.
Under this select 'Bus' then 'Dispute Form'.

This section specifically targets those wanting to appeal for bus, marine transport, among other fines issues provided by RTA services

rta dispute

Step 2 - Select your Dispute Fine Type

You will get all the categories once you have clicked on the dispute form and you get to choose yours.

Fill 'Dispute Type' as 'Public Transport Users Fine (Buses and Marine).
Your RTA fine dispute appeal is now forwarded to the concerned department for verification.

The dispute type here is necessary in order not to dilly-dally your appeal process.

Step 3 - Fill in the Details Required

Here, you are required to provide true information and details which support your dispute. This includes;

Fine Number – appearing on your fine notification.
Nol Card Number – applied during your trip.
Mobile Number – For RTA to contact you.
Date of the Fine – The date the violation was issued.

Proceed with caution with nol card fine, making sure everything is proper so that it doesn't lead to rejection or delay.

Step 4 - Attach Supporting Documents

You must be able to prove your stand that the fine was wrongly issued. All documents would be required to be uploaded in one single PDF file.

Documents required:

Copy of your Emirates ID or Passport – For identity verification.
Copy of the Fine Ticket – The one that was given to you by the RTA.
Nol Card Transaction History – It proves that the Nol card has been tapped appropriately or not.
Other Supporting Evidence – Screenshots, receipts, and any form of proof for a valid transaction

For example, if your Nol card tapped but failed to register to the system, you can present the transaction history to dispute your fine.

Make sure all your documents are legible and readable since illegible or incomplete submission leads to an automatic rejection of your request.

Step 5 - Submit Dispute Request

For RTA dispute fine when you fill up all the details required in the form, upload the documents for supporting your case, submit your dispute request.

Step 6 - Carefully read everything again

Elaborate in detail on why you feel it's an unjust fine
Click on 'Submit' to send off your request.
After you are done with the RTA fine complaint, you will be issued an acknowledgement message either via SMS or email, stating that your appeal is under consideration.

What Happens After Submission?

Time for Processing

The RTA shall settle a dispute within 30 days and you will get a text update of the status of your appeal.

Possible Decisions

Revocation of the fine: The RTA, on verifying that the case presented is genuine, shall cancel the fine imposed on you.

rta fine

Less punishment - The RTA might also reduce the amount of the fine levied against you sometimes but not dismiss the case entirely.
Fine sustained - If the RTA dismisses your case, you are compelled to pay the full extent of the fine

If your RTA fine dispute is not dismissed then you could proceed with appeal, and to further get the necessary assistance. An RTA Happiness Center will assist you.

How Not To Get Penalized by the RTA Buses Again

To avoid getting fined by RTA bus again, always use the following practices:

Tap the Nol card every time while entering and leaving the bus.
Ensure your Nol card has a minimum balance of AED 7.50 before traveling.
Use a valid Nol card and check its expiry date regularly.
Keep a record of your Nol transactions for proof in case of disputes.
Report faulty card readers immediately to the bus driver or RTA customer service.

Final Thoughts

RTA dispute can really be frustrating; however, there is a legal right to question it. Therefore, by taking these five steps, you would be able to dispute the fine and have the chance of its cancellation.

Check the RTA website and follow the dispute form

Choose the right type of dispute.
Provide the right information on the fine.
Attach supporting documents
Present the case and await a response.

When giving valid evidence and making a strong case for your argument, you are more likely to overturn the fine. Public transport in Dubai is designed with efficiency and equality. The dispute mechanism is for the passenger to help prove that they deserve justice, so make sure you know your case well whether it is RTA dispute parking fine, RTA bus fine etc.

Act fast if you ever receive a fine that you feel is unfair; submit your RTA fine dispute complaint within 30 days for a better chance. Safe travels!