Dubai’s Metro system is known worldwide for being fast, clean, safe, and highly efficient. Every day, hundreds of thousands of residents and tourists rely on it to travel across the city. However, many commuters are unaware that even small rule violations can lead to fines ranging from Dh100 to as high as Dh2,000.
As of February 2026, the Roads and Transport Authority continues to strictly enforce Dubai Metro rules under a fine structure last updated in August 2025. While no new changes have been announced, inspectors, CCTV systems, and patrols remain active across stations and trains to ensure compliance.
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Why Dubai Metro Rules Are Strictly Enforced
With daily ridership crossing 400,000 passengers, the Dubai Metro must operate with discipline and order. According to RTA officials, the fines are not meant to punish commuters but to protect safety, cleanliness, and the overall passenger experience.
Rules help prevent overcrowding, accidents, service delays, and damage to infrastructure. Violations that pose risks to passengers or Metro operations attract higher penalties, while minor behavioural issues usually result in lower fines.
Overview of Dubai Metro Fine Range
Dubai Metro fines start at Dh100 for minor etiquette breaches and can go up to Dh2,000 for serious safety violations. The penalties broadly fall into five categories:
- Minor behavioural offences
- Fare evasion
- Cleanliness and conduct violations
- Safety and prohibited items
- Parking-related offences at Metro stations
Each category carries different fines depending on the severity of the violation.
Minor Dubai Metro Offences and Dh100 Fines
Many commuters unknowingly commit small rule violations that can still result in fines. These are considered minor behavioural or etiquette breaches and usually attract Dh100 penalties.
Common Dh100 violations include eating or drinking in prohibited areas, putting feet on seats, sitting in restricted cabins such as Gold Class or Women and Children sections, entering non-passenger or restricted zones, misusing lifts or escalators, attempting to open train doors while the Metro is moving, bringing pets other than guide dogs, and causing disturbance to fellow passengers.
Although these actions may seem harmless, repeated offences can quickly add up financially.
Moderate Dubai Metro Offences and Dh200–Dh500 Fines
More serious violations relate to fare evasion, cleanliness, and ignoring official instructions. These offences usually attract fines between Dh200 and Dh500.
Dh200 fines commonly apply to travelling without paying the fare, using an expired or invalid nol card, using someone else’s nol card, smoking, spitting or littering inside Metro premises, ignoring inspector instructions, selling goods or promotions without permission, and distracting the train driver.
Dh500 fines are imposed for more severe conduct, such as using counterfeit travel cards or carrying alcoholic beverages inside Metro stations or trains. These penalties aim to maintain strict fare discipline and Dubai’s high cleanliness standards.
Special Dh300 Fine for Sleeping
One lesser-known rule is the prohibition on sleeping in certain Metro areas. Sleeping in restricted zones, shelters, or non-designated areas can result in a Dh300 fine. This rule exists to prevent obstruction, misuse of public facilities, and security concerns.
Major Safety Violations and Dh1,000–Dh2,000 Fines
The highest Dubai Metro fines are reserved for actions that endanger lives or disrupt operations. These offences are treated seriously by the RTA.
Dh1,000 fines apply to carrying hazardous items such as weapons, sharp tools, or flammable materials, entering restricted or off-limits areas, and crossing Metro tracks outside designated crossings.
Dh2,000 fines are imposed for the most serious violations, including misusing emergency buttons or exits, tampering with safety equipment, and interfering with Metro or tram operations. These actions can cause panic, service disruption, or accidents, which is why they carry the maximum penalty.
Parking Fines at Dubai Metro Stations
Metro users who drive to stations should also be careful with parking rules. Vehicles parked beyond the permitted time at Metro car parks are fined Dh100 per day. The total parking fine can reach up to Dh1,000 if the violation continues over multiple days.
These rules are enforced to ensure fair access to parking spaces for daily commuters.
How to Pay Dubai Metro Fines
Passengers must pay Dubai Metro fines within 60 days to avoid escalation. Payments can be made through the RTA website, RTA mobile app, Metro stations, or authorised RTA service centres.
Failing to pay fines on time may result in additional penalties or complications linked to your nol card or Emirates ID.
How to Appeal a Dubai Metro Fine
If you believe a fine was issued incorrectly, you have the right to appeal. Appeals can be submitted by emailing ask@rta.ae with your fine details, a copy of your nol card, and any supporting evidence.
The RTA typically reviews appeals within 10 working days and informs commuters of the outcome.
How to Avoid Dubai Metro Fines
Avoiding fines is simple if you follow basic rules. Always tap your nol card when entering and exiting, respect cabin categories and signage, avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in Metro areas, follow inspector instructions immediately, do not carry restricted items, and never misuse emergency equipment.
Final Words
Dubai Metro fines range from Dh100 for minor etiquette breaches to Dh2,000 for serious safety violations. As passenger numbers continue to rise, strict enforcement remains essential to maintaining safety, efficiency, and a world-class commuting experience. By understanding and following the rules, commuters can enjoy smooth, stress-free travel while avoiding unnecessary penalties.