How to Remove Black Points from License: My Personal Experience

Being a driver in the UAE is a privilege as well as a responsibility. There are stringent road regulations that make sure people are driving safely at all times. But, as most drivers, I have experienced the implications of various offenses against traffic regulations-black points on my license. My first concern was how such black points would affect my driving history, insurance and even risk of my driving license being suspended.

My blog will give my own account of how I was able to remove black points off my license in the UAE, the procedure I used to do this, the process, what I encountered along the way, and the lessons that I learned during the process. To ensure that you are not stuck on the road with black points on your Emirates driving license, this guide will help open your eyes to the system and give you a realistic way of clearing your record.

Understanding the Black Points System in the UAE

Prior to plunging into my personal experience, it would be valuable to learn what black points are and why they matter.

What Are Black Points?

The UAE traffic violation system contains black points. There are two penalties to every traffic offense:

1. Traffic fine – a monetary penalty. 
2. Black points – recorded on your driving license.
   

These arguments serve as a caution to the drivers. The black points are higher the more dangerous your violation.

How Many Black Points Lead to License Suspension?

In the majority of emirates, after 12 months, 24 black points may lead to the suspension of the license. Depending on the degree, your license can be suspended either a few months or more.

For example:

• Using a mobile phone while driving → 4 black points. 
• Jumping a red light → 12 black points. 
• Reckless driving causing accidents → 23 black points.
  

This rigid system helps to enforce the law in the traffic and guarantee road safety in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and other emirates.

My Personal Experience with Black Points

Similar to most drivers, I believed that I was driving in a careful manner, only to make a few minor mistakes that added up.

• First mistake: I was fined for using my mobile while driving. That gave me 4 black points. 
• Second mistake: Speeding over the limit by 40 km/h. That added 6 black points. 
• Third mistake: Jumping a red signal in Sharjah (the most serious). That cost me 12 black points.
  

In a couple of months, I had 22 black points on my license. I was very near the 24-point suspension limit.

At this point I knew I had to initiate action before it was too late to clear some points.

How to Check Black Points on Your License

The initial action I did was to determine the exact amount of black points in my record. This can be done in the UAE in several different ways:

1. Dubai RTA Website or App

In case of licensing in Dubai, you can access information about black points with RTA on the RTA site or with the Dubai Drive app. You need only your license number or your traffic file number.

2. Abu Dhabi Police App

The Abu Dhabi Police app gives all the information regarding fines and black points to the residents of Abu Dhabi.

3. Sharjah Police Website

Sharjah has black point details on the police portal.

4. Ministry of Interior (MOI) App

It is a countrywide application where you can keep track of fines and points, regardless of the emirate in which you received a license.

I have verified my 22 black points by the MOI app and was ready to get solutions.

Ways to Remove Black Points from License

This is the best part of my exploration, the legal removal of black points. According to my research and experience, the methods available in the UAE are the following:

1. Attending Safe Driving Courses

One of the most effective ways to reduce black points is to enroll in a safe driving course.

• In Dubai, the RTA offers courses at the Emirates Driving Institute and other approved centers. 
• Each course allows you to remove 8 black points once per year. 
• The training covers defensive driving, traffic rules, and accident prevention.
  

I enrolled in a course at the RTA customer service center, paid the fee and attended the session. Once this was completed, 8 black points were deducted off my record.

2. Waiting Period (Automatic Expiry)

Black points will last one year since the violation date. Unless you have additional violations, the points just automatically go out of your account after 12 months.

Most of my points had been made that year, though, so I had to wait and see some of them fall off. This meant that I had to be more cautious on the road.

3. Special Amnesty Campaigns

To promote events such as UAE National Day or Ramadan, certain emirates provide discounts on traffic fines or black points dispensation.

Indicatively, Sharjah Police occasionally initiate campaigns where a part of the black points can be removed when the fines are paid within a short time. I used a good discount campaign, so I could cope with the financial load but the points were not provided with any discount.

4. Transferring Black Points (for Vehicle Owners)

In case, the breach has been committed by some other driver other than you, you can pass the black points to the concerned driver.

This is done by the police traffic department. You will require the Emirates ID and driving license of the actual offender. Fortunately, I did not have to use this option, but I encountered people who have used it successfully.

My Step-by-Step Strategy

This is how I precisely escaped a suspension of my license:

Step 1: Immediate Action

I immediately ceased risky drivers behaviour. There will be no speeding, no cell phone use, and never disobedience to red lights.

Step 2: Enrolled in a Safe Driving Course

I took the course which was approved by RTA which eliminated 8 black points. My total dropped from 22 to 14.

Step 3: Monitored Black Points Online

I used the MOI app on a regular basis to verify my record following the course.

Step 4: Waited for Points to Expire

In a couple of months, my 4 black points (mobile usage) ran out and I was left with 10 points.

Step 5: Continued Driving Responsibly

I did not commit any additional violation, which meant that there were no additional black points.

The Challenges I Faced

My journey wasn’t smooth. I faced several challenges:

• Time Pressure: 22 points, one additional violation would have been a suspension. 
• Financial Strain: Traffic fines were very costly and to top it all, there were fees associated with the safe driving course. 
• Emotional Stress: I felt scared and feared being suspended after driving because I was scared.
  

But it was worth doing it because the burden of cutting down on my points was off, and I felt more confident again.

Key Lessons I Learned

As my personal experience demonstrates, the largest lessons are:

1. Prevention Is Better Than Cure

It is much simpler to prevent violations than to take away black points afterwards. Never break the rules, not even when you are in a hurry.

2. Safe Driving Courses Are a Lifesaver

They not only make points disappear, but they enhance your driving abilities and consciousness too.

3. Use Technology to Stay Updated

Finally, there is an easy way to track points and fines with the help of apps such as MOI, RTA, and Dubai Drive.

4. Respect the System

Black points do not exist with the aim of punishing drivers, but rather to make them drive safely. I was a much more responsible driver when I changed my attitude.

Conclusion: My Road to a Clean Driving Record

Getting black points off my license was not a simple process, however, it was a learning experience. Now I drive more responsible, I check my fines, I always inform myself of the rules of traffic in the UAE.

Don’t panic in case you have black points at the moment. You can cope with the situation by:

• Taking safe driving classes, 
• Watching expiry dates, 
• By exploiting police programs, and 
• Above all, safe driving habits.

My own experience instilled in me the consciousness that traffic laws in UAE cannot be mere punishment, but it has to be the wellbeing of all people on the road. After doing the right things, you are able to clean your driving record and feel calm again.

FAQs on Removing Black Points in the UAE

Is it possible to get rid of black points altogether?

Yes, in safe driving courses or when the 12 months of validity expire.

In which number of times can I take a safe driving course?

Once a year, on average, and it takes away up to 8 black points.

Are traffic fine decrease discounts also cutting black points?

No, it is only fines which are discounted. Unless they are cleared, black points exist.

What will happen when I get 24 black points?

Depending on the severity of violations, your license could either be suspended or revoked.

Do all emirates have the same black points?

It is like that, but there are a few slight differences in rules and procedures in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah.