What to Do in a Minor Car Accident in Dubai (Police App)

Who This Guide Is For: All drivers in Dubai who experience a road accident or parking collision.

Step-by-Step Procedure

Follow these verified steps in chronological sequence to avoid common administrative delays or fines:

Step 1: Check for Injuries & Move to Hard Shoulder

Ensure all occupants are safe. If there are NO injuries and vehicles are drivable, turn on hazard warning lights and move both cars to the emergency shoulder or nearest safe parking bay. Failing to move vehicles in minor accidents carries an AED 500 police fine for obstructing traffic.

Step 2: Open Dubai Police App to Report Accident

Open the Dubai Police Smart App (available in English). Select 'Report Traffic Accident'. The app uses GPS to pinpoint the exact location.

Step 3: Capture Vehicle Details & Damage Photos

Scan the vehicle plate and driving licence of both drivers (or enter manually). Take up to 4 clear photos showing the damaged areas of both cars. Select who is at fault (or leave for officer review).

Step 4: Receive Digital Police Report via SMS

Within 10 to 15 minutes, Dubai Police approves the electronic report. Both parties receive an SMS link to the official report: Green Slip indicates the non-fault innocent driver; Red Slip indicates the driver at fault. The at-fault driver pays the AED 400 police report fee; the innocent driver pays nothing.

Required Documents Checklist

Ensure you have the following credentials ready before initiating this service:

UAE Driving Licence or Foreign Licence (for tourists)

Vehicle Registration Card (Mulkiya) or Rental Agreement

Emirates ID or Passport

Official Fees Breakdown

The following figures reflect official government tariffs verified at publication time with zero markups:

Fee Component	Amount (AED)	Notes & Validity
Police Accident Report Fee (At-Fault Driver)	AED 400.00	AED 300 base + AED 100 innovation/knowledge fees
Police Accident Report Fee (Innocent Driver)	AED 0.00	Completely free of charge
Accident Against Unknown Party (Hit & Run)	AED 400.00	Report fee for damage found while parked

Expected Processing Timeline

Digital police report issued via SMS in 10 to 15 minutes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Critical Pitfalls & Fine Risks

Leaving cars stopped in the middle of a busy highway waiting for police to arrive — this is dangerous and causes an automatic AED 500 fine for traffic obstruction.
Arguing aggressively on the roadside: Dubai law strictly penalizes offensive verbal arguments or public disturbances.
Visiting an auto bodyshop before obtaining the official Dubai Police report: garages in the UAE are legally prohibited from repairing accident damage without a police report.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a Green Slip and a Red Slip?

A Green Slip designates the non-fault, innocent party whose repairs will be 100% funded by the other driver's insurance with zero deductible. A Red Slip designates the at-fault driver who caused the collision and must pay the AED 400 police report fee plus any insurance policy deductible.

When should I call 999 instead of using the app?

Call 999 immediately if anyone is injured, if a vehicle caught fire, if a car is undrivable and blocking the highway, or if the other driver flees the scene (hit and run).

What if I find my parked car damaged with no note?

Open the Dubai Police App and select 'Report Traffic Accident Against Unknown Party'. Upload photos of the damage. A police certificate (AED 400 fee) will be issued so your comprehensive insurance can repair the damage.

Can auto repair shops fix a dented bumper without a police report?

No. Under UAE federal law, any automotive workshop that repairs body, bumper, or paint accident damage without an official Police Accident Report or Repair Permit faces heavy fines, business closure, and legal prosecution.

Do tourists follow the same accident reporting process?

Yes. Tourists in rental cars use the exact same Dubai Police App. Select 'Visitor', enter passport and rental car plate details, and hand the resulting police report directly to the rental agency.

Official Sources & Verification References

Every procedure, tariff, and fine in this guide was directly verified on the following official portals:

https://www.dubaipolice.gov.ae (Official Portal)
https://u.ae (Official Portal)

What to Do in a Car Accident in Dubai: Police App & Green Slip Guide