How to Reduce Black Points

Fresh Start: How to Reduce Black Points and Get Your Licence Back in Abu Dhabi

We’ve all been there—a momentary lapse in judgment or a heavy foot on the accelerator, and suddenly, those dreaded black points start piling up. In the UAE, hitting 24 black points means an automatic license suspension, which can throw your daily life into chaos.

Fortunately, Abu Dhabi Police frequently launches community-focused initiatives to help drivers "clean the slate." Their latest campaign offers a structured way to reduce points or even get a suspended license back.

Here is your step-by-step guide on how to take advantage of this initiative.

Overview of the Initiative

The program is part of Abu Dhabi's mission to promote road safety through education rather than just punishment. Instead of just paying a fine, drivers attend workshops that focus on defensive driving and traffic law awareness.

• Objective: Reduce up to 8 black points or reinstate a suspended license.

• Method: In-person attendance at designated workshop locations (typically at major malls or community festivals).

• Requirement: Payment of a specific fee and completion of a safety course.

Step-by-Step Guide to Clearing Your Record

Step 1: Check Your Black Points

Before heading out, verify exactly how many points you have. You can do this via:

• TAMM App/Website: Log in with your UAE Pass.

• Abu Dhabi Police App: View your "Traffic Profile."

• MOI UAE App: Check under the "Traffic Fines" section.

Step 2: Identify Your Category

The program usually divides drivers into two categories:

• Category A (Point Reduction): For those with 8 to 23 points. You can have 8 points deducted from your record.

• Category B (Licence Reinstatement): For those who have reached 24 points and had their license suspended.

Step 3: Visit the Designated Location

These initiatives are almost always in-person only. Recent campaigns have been held at locations like Mushrif Mall or the Liwa International Festival.

• Timing: Workshops usually run in the afternoon and evening (e.g., 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM).

• What to bring: Your Emirates ID and your original driving license.

Step 4: Register and Pay the Fees

Once at the site, head to the Abu Dhabi Police booth to register. The fees are generally standardized:

• Point Reduction (8 points): AED 800.

• Licence Reinstatement: AED 2,400.

Step 5: Attend the Educational Workshop

You will be required to sit through a workshop or rehabilitation course. This isn't just a lecture; it's an interactive session covering:

• The dangers of speeding and sudden swerving.

• Importance of seatbelts and child seats.

• How to avoid distractions like mobile phones.

Step 6: Confirmation of Update

Upon successful completion of the course, the police department will update your traffic file. Within a few days, you should see the point reduction or license restoration reflected in the official apps.

Pro-Tips for UAE Drivers

1. Don’t Wait for 24: If you have 16 or 20 points, take the course now. It provides a "buffer" so that one minor mistake doesn't lead to a total suspension.

2. Combine with Other Campaigns: Keep an eye out for "Accident-Free Day" (usually in August). By pledging to drive safely on that specific day, you can often get an additional 4 points removed for free.

3. Automatic Expiry: Remember that black points expire automatically after 12 months from the date of the violation, provided you haven't hit the 24-point limit.

Final Thoughts

This initiative is a golden opportunity for a second chance. While the fees might seem steep, they are a small price to pay for the privilege of driving and the safety of our community.

Stay safe, follow the limits, and keep your record clean!