Spanning residential roads to retail ramps, wrong parking isn’t merely troublesome — it threatens traffic flow, emergency access, and pedestrian safety. Such violations range from seizing disabled parking spots without proper permits to blocking driveways, placing everyone at risk.
Regular road users experience the repercussions firsthand: an obstructed vehicle not only triggers delays and frustration but also poses safety hazards.
This straightforward guide from Hertz UAE clarifies what constitutes improper parking and illustrates trusted, straightforward methods to show you how to report vehicle obstruction in Dubai and Abu Dhabi; Whether tangled in a mall exit traffic jam or hindered by haphazardly parked cars, it’s crucial to know how to act effectively.
What is Wrong Parking?
Wrong parking refers to any situation where a vehicle is improperly parked in a way that disrupts others or violates local laws. Common examples include:
- Blocking driveways or access to buildings
- Double parking, where a vehicle blocks another parked car
- Misusing designated disabled parking spots
- Parking on pedestrian crossings or emergency lanes
These actions are not only inconsiderate, they’re also against the law and can incur heavy fines across the UAE.
How to Report Wrong Parking in Dubai
Wrong parking refers to any situation where a vehicle is improperly parked in a way that disrupts others or violates local laws. Common examples include:
- Blocking driveways or access to buildings
- Double parking, where a vehicle blocks another parked car
- Misusing designated disabled parking spots
- Parking on pedestrian crossings or emergency lanes
These actions are not only inconsiderate, they’re also against the law and can incur heavy fines across the UAE.
How to Report Wrong Parking in Dubai
The Dubai Police and the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) provide practical options for reporting vehicle obstruction. Here’s a detailed profile of the available procedures:
1. Dubai Police Mobile App
Dubai Police maintain an intuitive mobile app, making it simple to report improper parking swiftly:
- Step 1: Download the Dubai Police app (iOS or Android)
- Step 2: Move to the “Vehicle Obstruction” or “Wrong Parking” menu
- Step 3: Input crucial information: vehicle plate number, detailed location, and images as proof
- Step 4: Dispatch the report. You’ll obtain a reference number and might receive updates on the case.
This method is most suitable for immediate scenarios like being blockaded in a parking area or residential driveway.
2. Calling the Dubai Police Helpline (901)
For non-emergency cases, you can also report to the Police by calling their non-emergency number at 901:
- Note down all the important details, including the vehicle’s information, where it’s parked, and how it’s causing a blockage. The police might send an officer to check it out or issue a fine from afar.
This approach is good if you can’t use the app or if you need to talk through the situation.
3. RTA’s ‘My Vehicle’ Service
Consider reaching out via the ‘My Vehicle’ service on the RTA website if the violation happened in an RTA-managed parking area:
- Connect to www.rta.ae
- Register or log into your account.
- Choose the ‘My Vehicle’ service and record the incident, including relevant details and images.
This service caters to controlled and paid parking zones in Dubai, confirming a swift conclusion.
How to Report Wrong Parking in Abu Dhabi
Now, we turn to Abu Dhabi, where the Integrated Transport Centre (ITC) and Abu Dhabi Police provide various channels through which you can report a vehicle causing an obstruction. Here’s how to proceed:
1. Darb Mobile App
Download the Darb app, Abu Dhabi’s official transport platform, to address parking violations:
- Download the Darb app (iOS or Android)
- Move to the ‘Report Wrong Parking’ section.
- Add the vehicle number, location, and images.
- Dispatch your complaint, which will be deliberated by the ITC or directed to enforcement officers.
Darb is markedly efficient for issues in public or ITC-managed parking zones.
2. Abu Dhabi Police Mobile App
Access the Abu Dhabi Police app for another speedy reporting method:
- Begin by launching the app and searching for the ‘Report Wrong Parking’ feature.
- Supply details such as license plate, violation description, and photo evidence.
- Send your report
Abu Dhabi Police usually act quickly once all necessary information is provided.
3. Calling Abu Dhabi Police Helpline (800 3333)
If you prefer speaking to an officer or don’t have internet access, call 800 3333, and provide the vehicle plate number, type of violation, and location.
This service is great for non-app users or when you need help with the process.
Fines for Wrong Parking in Dubai and Abu Dhabi
Parking penalties in both emirates are tough to prevent problematic and thoughtless parking. To protect public paths and traffic flow, authorities take prompt action. Here’s what to know — and how to report parking obstruction:
Dubai Parking Violations
| Violation | Fine (AED) | Notes |
| Double parking | 300 | – |
| Blocking roads or traffic | 500 | – |
| Unauthorized use of disabled parking | 1,000 + black points | Strictly enforced |
| Parking on pedestrian crossings/emergency lanes | From 500 | Depends on the location |
Abu Dhabi Parking Violations
| Violation | Fine (AED) | Notes |
| Blocking vehicles or traffic | 500 | – |
| Unauthorized use of disabled parking | 1,000 + black points | – |
| Parking that hinders emergency access | Variable | Based on the severity of the obstruction |
In severe or repeated cases, wrongfully parked vehicles may even be subject to vehicle impoundment, depending on the nature and location of the violation.
Essential Tips for Filing a Wrong Parking Complaint
Fast-track your parking complaint? Follow these focused steps:
- Frame solid photos: Show the plate, position, and nearby signs or structures
- Pinpoint the spot: Precise addresses or GPS coordinates speed up response
- File properly: Use police platforms for general cases and RTA/Darb portals for smart parking zones
- Stay synced: Some systems support follow-ups, such as tracking progress and staying posted
Smart, specific, and structured reports pave the way for faster fixes.
Personal Experience on Reporting an Obstructing Vehicle
From our representatives experience, he had recently parked his car in Al-Qouz where a construction truck had blocked his car, blocking his way from exiting the parking lot.
While he was not aware of the steps above, one trick that worked for him was to contact the help number on the back of the truck. A commonly seen sticker on trucks. By doing that, he managed to contact the driver and ask him to move his truck.
While he definitely got lucky there, it’s certainly worth exploring all options when reporting a vehicle obstruction.
Conclusion: Ensuring Safe and Accessible Roads
At Hertz UAE, we believe that better journeys begin with better road habits. That’s why timely complaints and proper channels matter. With tools like the Dubai Police, RTA, Darb, and Abu Dhabi Police apps, reporting a car causing obstruction is now convenient and effective.
Whether you’re rent a car in Abu Dhabi for a business trip, or rent a car in Dubai a beach day, or the daily back-and-forth, staying informed helps you steer clear of delays caused by blocked bays or bottlenecked traffic. And if you ever find yourself behind a car that shouldn’t be there — you’ll know exactly how to take action.