Types Of Radar Cameras In Dubai: All You Need To Know

Dubai has emerged as a global leader in intelligent traffic enforcement, leveraging advanced speed cameras and AI-powered systems to enhance road safety and ensure compliance with traffic laws. From traditional speed radar cameras in Dubai to cutting-edge AI traffic cameras, the city employs a comprehensive array of technologies to monitor and manage traffic effectively. Here’s a list of the different types of traffic cameras in Dubai.

Types of Speed and Traffic Cameras in Dubai

1. Standard Speed Cameras

These are the most commonly used traffic cameras in Dubai, strategically placed along highways and major roads. They monitor vehicle speeds and capture images of those exceeding the speed limits. 

In most Emirates, including Dubai, there’s a 20km/h speed buffer; however, this buffer is not applicable in Abu Dhabi. For instance, if the speed limit is 120km/h, the camera will flash if a vehicle exceeds 140km/h in all Emirates except Abu Dhabi. Here’s a quick look at the history of speed limits and why speed limits are needed.

These are the most common cameras across Dubai’s roads and highways:

• They measure your vehicle’s speed using radar or laser technology. 
• Modern versions can capture multiple lanes and vehicles at once, and some even identify both over-speeding and under-speeding violations.
• Installed at strategic locations such as Sheikh Zayed Road, Al Khail Road, and Mohammed Bin Zayed Road, they’re especially active in high-risk zones.
• Fines start from AED 300 and may include black points and impounding depending on the speed overage.

2. Red Light Cameras

Installed at intersections, these cameras detect vehicles that run red lights. Utilizing infrared technology, they capture images without the need for a visible flash, ensuring non-intrusive monitoring. Violators face hefty fines, black points on their license, and potential vehicle impoundment. 

They capture vehicles that enter intersections after the traffic light turns red. Equipped with motion sensors and induction loops embedded in the road, they can detect movement as soon as a vehicle crosses the stop line unlawfully. Most also record high-definition video footage of the violation for added clarity. These are the cameras that are difficult to spot at first glance.

3. Hi-Tech Speed Cameras

Dubai has introduced advanced radars like the Mesta Fusion, capable of detecting multiple violations beyond speeding. These include sudden lane changes, abrupt swerving, and queue-jumping at intersections. The system records 10-second video clips of violations, providing comprehensive evidence for enforcement. The Dubai Police introduced 28 of them in 2013 and have since been gradually increasing their numbers throughout the Emirate. Read all about the famed Dubai Police supercar fleet here.

4. AI-Powered Traffic Cameras

Introduced in March 2025, these new AI-powered cameras are the Dubai Police’s prime weapon in its war on the usage of mobile phones while driving.

The latest addition to Dubai’s traffic enforcement arsenal, AI-enabled cameras can detect a wide range of violations, including:

• Exceeding speed limits: Fines range between AED 300 to AED 3,000
• Running red lights: AED 1,000 fine, 12 black points, and 30-day vehicle impoundment
• Tailgating: AED 400 fine and 4 black points.
• Not wearing a seatbelt: AED 400 fine and 4 black points.
• Using a mobile phone while driving: AED 800 fine and 4 black points.
• Illegal U-turns and lane violations: AED 500 fine and 4 black points.
• Driving against traffic: AED 600 fine, 4 black points, and 7-day vehicle impoundment.
• Hard shoulder violations: AED 1,000 fine, 6 black points, and 30-day vehicle impoundment.
• Failure to give way to pedestrians: AED 500 fine and 6 black points.
• Excessive window tinting: AED 1,500 fine.

5. Noise Sensors

Introduced in 2016, these sensors aim to reduce noise pollution by detecting vehicles that produce excessive noise, often due to modified exhaust systems. They are typically installed near residential areas, schools, hospitals, and other sensitive zones. Vehicles exceeding the permissible noise levels are fined accordingly. 

In November 2024, the Dubai Police launched a surprise crackdown on noisy vehicles, especially those with modified exhaust systems. Using these noise sensor-equipped cameras, the Dubai Police fined 12,000 vehicles for being noisy, and many of them were even impounded for unauthorised modifications. Here’s a detailed list of the traffic fines in Dubai.

6. Bat Radars

To ensure the safety of school children, Bat Radars are installed on school buses. When a bus stops to pick up or drop off students, the radar activates. Any vehicle that ignores the extended stop sign and attempts to pass the bus is detected, and the violation is reported to the traffic department in real-time.

It is also the most unassuming radar system, so those who willingly or unwillingly ignore the stop sign on school buses are in for a surprise. It could result in a fine of AED 1,000 and 10 black points on your driving license. So, watch out for that little stop sign.

7. Tailgating Radars

Tailgating is a serious offense in Dubai due to the risk of high-speed collisions. Specialized radars monitor the distance between vehicles, and those found tailgating are fined to promote safer driving practices. Tailgating entails a fine of AED 400, and many have been fined for this offence in recent times. 

8. Armor-Plated Speed Cameras

These robust, trailer-based cameras are designed to withstand tampering and vandalism. Developed by German and French tech teams, they can monitor speeding from any direction and detect other violations like lane changes, overtaking on the shoulder, and tailgating.

9. Bus & Taxi Lane Cameras

These specialized cameras monitor lanes reserved exclusively for public transport. They automatically detect unauthorized vehicles using number plate recognition and vehicle classification technology. These cameras are active especially in high-density areas such as Al Rigga, Mankhool, and Al Ghubaiba. Unauthorized use of the lane entails an AED 600 fine.

10. Surveillance & ANPR Cameras (Automatic Number Plate Recognition)

Used primarily for monitoring and data collection rather than immediate fine issuance. They record all vehicles passing a checkpoint and cross-reference number plates against RTA and Police databases. While these may not issue fines directly, if your vehicle is flagged, you may be stopped at the next police checkpoint.

These cameras help identify stolen vehicles, catch drivers with outstanding fines, enforce Salik violations, and ensure vehicle registration compliance. Traffic control rooms constantly monitor the feed from these cameras. The most well-known example of traffic surveillance cameras is the one located on Sheikh Zayed Road, near the World Trade Center.

How to Check If You’ve Been Fined

If you’re worried that you might have triggered a radar camera or committed a traffic violation, Dubai makes it easy to check your fines:

• RTA Dubai website
• Dubai Police website 
• RTA Dubai App
• RTA Customer Happiness Centres
• Dubai Police Stations

Just enter your vehicle details or traffic file number, and the system will display any outstanding fines, black points, and impoundment information. Here’s a detailed guide on how you can pay your traffic fines.

Upcoming Technologies in Traffic Enforcement

Dubai continues to push boundaries in transport innovation. Here are some developments to look out for:

• Facial recognition systems to identify distracted drivers (mobile phone usage, drowsiness).
• Drones for real-time traffic monitoring during events or accidents.
• Integration of blockchain technology to secure traffic data and prevent tampering.
• Vehicle-to-Infrastructure (V2I) communication allowing vehicles to “talk” to traffic signals and radar systems.

These innovations are part of Dubai’s Smart City vision, aiming for safer, more efficient, and connected road systems.

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