In Dubai, giving rides for money without the right permits is what we call illegal car lifting. Instead, it’s a big problem. Even though it might seem like a good way to earn extra money fast, it can cause serious trouble.

However, the authorities have strict rules to keep transportation safe and organized. So, if they catch you breaking these rules, you have to pay heavy fines, or even end up in court.

In this article, we will explain what illegal car lifting is and why it’s risky. Moreover, we will discuss how to do legal ride-sharing to avoid illegal car lifting fines in Dubai.

Transportation regulation in Dubai: Illegal Car Lifting operations

Are you considering using your old car as a taxi anywhere in Dubai? Think twice! Reports indicate that thousands of cases involve the illegal use of private cars as taxis. It could lead to illegal car lifting fines in Dubai, black points on your license, and even losing your car for a month.

Additionally, those running these services might not have the right licenses or live legally in the UAE. But what about carpooling? While it’s a great way to save money and reduce traffic, it’s legal in the UAE with the right permit. However, there’s hope that as more people learn, carpooling can be legal and safe with the right regulations in place.

The Dangers of Illegal Transportation in Dubai

Do you know about the dangers of using or offering illegal rides in Dubai? The city is growing fast, and it might seem tempting to find cheaper ways to get around. But it’s important to realize that doing this without permission can lead to serious trouble.

Recently, a legal consultant warned about the risks of illegal car lifting. People caught doing this could face big fines or even get kicked out of the country. Not only that but passengers might not be protected if something goes wrong because they won’t have insurance.

So, it’s crucial to stick to legal ways of getting around to keep everyone safe and follow the rules in Dubai.

In the past two years, there were 10,191 fines in Sharjah and 2,200 fines in Abu Dhabi. While Dubai’s RTA also caught 20 drivers and impounded 60 vehicles. In case of violation, you could face an illegal car lifting fine of Dh 3,000 fine, lose 24 black points, and have your vehicle taken away for 30 days.

Passengers might have to pay their medical bills if there’s an accident because these cars don’t have insurance. Thus, using licensed taxis is important to stay safe and avoid breaking the law.

Avoiding Illegal Car Lifting: A Reminder for Filipinos in Dubai

In Dubai, Filipinos should avoid giving rides without permission to stay safe. Barney Almazar suggests using legal transport options and avoiding illegal car lifting. According to the Gulf News, some drivers recently got big fines from the RTA.

For example, an engineer got fined Dh20,000 for giving rides from Dubai to Abu Dhabi without permission. Almazar says following rules can prevent fines and legal problems.

However, breaking the rules can lead to penalties of up to Dh20,000 for unauthorized rides and Dh50,000 for unlicensed transport businesses. So, Filipinos in Dubai must stay safe and legal when using transportation to avoid big fines and legal trouble.

How to Handle Illegal Car Lift Incidents:

If you get caught by the police in Dubai for using illegal Car Lift services, here is what you must do:

Always be honest with the police.
Follow their instructions carefully.
Show your Emirates ID or passport if they ask for it.
Cooperate whether they give you a fine on the spot or tell you to go to the police station.
Later on, you can try to negotiate fines or penalties with your country’s embassy or consulate.
Don’t try to bargain with the police right away, as it might make things worse and could even result in them taking your vehicle. This could be especially serious for expatriates, as it may lead to deportation.
Afterward, get in touch with a lawyer who specializes in traffic violations.
Keep any evidence of your case.
Pay the respective fines.
Stay calm and polite throughout the whole process.

Exploring Alternatives to Illegal Car Lifting

Dubai’s RTA Public Transport experts have some great suggestions for getting around the city legally:

Why not give smart car rental services like Ekar, Uber, DTC smart app, and Udrive a try? They make it super easy to rent a car for short trips.
Need a safe and reliable ride? Public taxis and limousines are fantastic options for getting where you need to go.
Want a convenient way to connect with professional drivers and carpooling services? Consider using e-hail services.
You can also commute using the Dubai metro, trams, and water taxis. Know their timings and learn how to use these transportation services.

How to Carpool Legally in Dubai?

Carpooling is when people share rides, like going to work together, and it’s totally fine in Dubai. It’s actually a good idea because it helps lessen traffic and pollution. To do it right, you can use an app called Sharekni, which the RTA runs.

Get the Sharekni App: Start by downloading the Sharekni app from your app store.
Make Your Profile: Then, create a profile in the app with your name, contact info, and details about your car.
Add Your Car and Friends: After that, put in your car details like the license plate number and how many people it can fit. Also, add any friends who’ll be riding with you.
Plan Your Trip: Lastly, plan your trip in the app by saying where you’re starting from, where you’re going, and what time you’ll be leaving.

By following these steps and using the Sharekni app, you can carpool legally in Dubai. It’s an easy way to save money on gas and help keep the air clean.

Conclusion

If you’re caught using illegal carpooling or car lift services in Dubai, it’s important to get help from legal experts. They can help you understand what to do, like translating documents if needed. Even though illegal taxis might have cheap prices, they don’t give insurance if something goes wrong, like an accident.

It’s safer to ride in taxis with proper license plates. The police and city are trying hard to stop illegal transportation, so it’s best to follow the rules to avoid getting fined or in trouble. Licensed taxis may cost more, but they’re safer and follow the law.

Also Read:

How to Check Traffic Fines In Dubai 2025?

Dubai Speed Limit & Fine: Know Before You Go!

Ensuring Safe and Legal Development: Illegal Constructions in The UAE

How to Get an International Driving License in Dubai 2025