Dubai Metro Rules and Fines
Your Complete Guide to RTA Regulations, Prohibited Items, and Penalty Fees
Understanding Dubai Metro Regulations
The Dubai Metro, operated by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), maintains strict rules and regulations to ensure the safety, comfort, and efficiency of all passengers. Familiarizing yourself with these rules will help you avoid fines and contribute to a pleasant journey for everyone.
Important Notice
The RTA enforces all metro regulations strictly. Violations can result in fines ranging from AED 100 to AED 2,000. Inspectors regularly patrol all stations and trains. Always carry valid tickets and follow all posted rules.
Daily Passengers
Over 400,000 passengers use Dubai Metro daily, making compliance essential
CCTV Monitoring
All stations and trains are equipped with 24/7 surveillance cameras
Safety First
Rules are designed to protect all passengers and maintain service quality
Essential Metro Rules You Must Know
Valid Ticketing
- Always carry a valid ticket or Nol card
- Tap in at entry and tap out at exit gates
- Keep your ticket until you exit the station
- Ensure sufficient balance on your Nol card
- Children under 5 travel free with adults
Proper Behavior
- Queue orderly at platform doors
- Allow passengers to exit before boarding
- Give priority seating to elderly and disabled
- Keep noise levels low and respectful
- No public displays of affection
Food & Beverages
- No eating or drinking on trains or platforms
- No chewing gum inside metro premises
- Sealed water bottles allowed but must remain sealed
- No hot food or strong-smelling items
- Dispose waste in designated bins only
Quiet Environment
- Mobile phones on silent or vibrate mode
- Use headphones for music or videos
- Keep conversations at low volume
- No loud music or instruments
- Respect the comfort of other passengers
Smoking & Substances
- Absolutely no smoking anywhere in metro
- No vaping or e-cigarettes
- No alcohol or intoxication
- No illegal substances
- Violations result in immediate fines
Safety Guidelines
- Stand behind yellow safety line
- Hold handrails when train is moving
- Do not block doors or emergency exits
- Report suspicious items or behavior
- Follow staff instructions immediately
Prohibited Items on Dubai Metro
For the safety and comfort of all passengers, the following items are strictly prohibited on Dubai Metro trains and stations:
Dangerous Materials
- Explosives and fireworks
- Flammable liquids and gases
- Corrosive substances
- Toxic or poisonous materials
- Radioactive materials
Sharp Objects & Tools
- Knives and sharp blades
- Swords and martial arts weapons
- Power tools without proper packaging
- Axes, saws, and cutting equipment
- Any object that could cause injury
Messy Materials
- Paint and chemical containers
- Uncovered or leaking substances
- Strong-smelling materials
- Loose soil or sand
- Items that may soil seats or floor
Oversized Items
- Furniture and large appliances
- Bicycles (except foldable in bags)
- Surfboards and long sports equipment
- Items exceeding 2m x 0.7m x 0.5m
- Items blocking aisles or doors
Animals & Pets
- All animals except service dogs
- Pets in carriers (with exceptions)
- Birds and exotic animals
- Livestock and farm animals
- Guide dogs allowed with proper ID
Commercial Items
- Items for unauthorized selling
- Large quantities of goods
- Commercial trolleys or carts
- Promotional materials without permit
- Busking or performance equipment
Luggage Guidelines
Standard luggage is permitted as long as it doesn't obstruct aisles, doors, or seats. Maximum dimensions: 2m x 0.7m x 0.5m. Place luggage in designated areas and ensure it's secure during travel. Unattended luggage will be treated as suspicious and may be removed by security.
Dubai Metro Fines and Penalties 2025
The RTA imposes fines for violations to maintain safety and order. All fines must be paid within 60 days to avoid additional penalties.
| Violation | Fine Amount (AED) | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Traveling without valid ticket | 200 | Includes entering metro without tapping in or insufficient Nol balance |
| Eating or drinking | 300 | Consuming food, beverages, or chewing gum in trains or platforms |
| Smoking or vaping | 500 | Smoking cigarettes, vaping, or using e-cigarettes anywhere in metro |
| Obstructing doors | 500 | Preventing doors from closing or forcing doors open |
| Littering or spitting | 500 | Disposing waste improperly or spitting in metro premises |
| Causing disturbance | 300 | Loud music, shouting, or disruptive behavior |
| Unauthorized photography | 1,000 | Commercial filming or photography without RTA permission |
| Feet on seats | 100 | Placing feet, shoes, or bags on seats |
| Sleeping on seats | 300 | Lying down across seats or occupying multiple seats |
| Misuse of emergency equipment | 2,000 | Activating emergency brake or alarm without genuine emergency |
| Vandalism or graffiti | 1,000 | Defacing, damaging, or writing on metro property |
| Selling without permit | 1,000 | Unauthorized commercial activity or solicitation |
| Begging | 500 | Asking for money or items from passengers |
| Violating privacy | 1,000 | Taking photos or videos of passengers without consent |
| Bringing prohibited items | 500 | Carrying oversized, dangerous, or prohibited items |
| Indecent behavior | 2,000 | Inappropriate conduct, harassment, or offensive behavior |
| Entering restricted areas | 500 | Accessing staff-only areas or crossing tracks |
| Using wrong cabin | 100 | Males entering women/children cabin during restricted hours |
How to Pay Fines
Fines can be paid online at the RTA website, through the RTA Dubai app, at any RTA customer service center, or at ticket vending machines in metro stations. Payment methods include credit/debit cards, cash at service centers, and Nol cards. Keep your receipt as proof of payment.
Special Zones and Priority Rules
Women & Children Cabins
- First cabin of every train is reserved
- For women and children under 12 years
- Men prohibited during peak hours (7-9 AM, 5-8 PM Saturday-Thursday)
- Men may use during off-peak if accompanied by female family member
- Clearly marked with pink signage
Gold Class Cabins
- Premium cabin with luxury seating
- Requires Gold Class ticket or Nol card
- Located in middle of train
- More spacious and comfortable
- Violation fine: AED 200 if traveling without Gold ticket
Priority Seating
- Reserved for elderly passengers (60+)
- People with disabilities
- Pregnant women
- Parents with young children
- Always offer your seat to those in need
Smart Travel Tips to Avoid Fines
Plan Ahead
Check your Nol card balance before traveling and top up if needed. Keep it safe and accessible.
Stay Alert
Listen to announcements and watch for signage. Rules are clearly displayed throughout stations.
Pack Smart
Avoid bringing prohibited items. If unsure, contact RTA customer service before traveling.
Be Respectful
Dubai Metro serves diverse passengers. Show courtesy and respect cultural norms and regulations.
Keep Evidence
Save your tickets and receipts until you exit. They may be requested by inspectors.
Follow Staff
Metro staff and security have authority to enforce rules. Comply with all instructions immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions About Metro Rules
Common questions about Dubai Metro regulations and fines
No, drinking water or any other beverage is strictly prohibited on Dubai Metro trains and platforms. This includes sealed water bottles that have been opened. You must consume drinks before entering the metro or after exiting. Violation results in a AED 300 fine. However, you can carry sealed, unopened water bottles in your bag.
If you forget to tap out, the system will deduct the maximum fare for that line from your Nol card. To avoid this, always remember to tap out at the exit gate. If you accidentally forget, you can visit the RTA customer service desk at any metro station within 30 days to request a refund of the overcharged amount with proof of your journey.
Yes, baby strollers and carriers are permitted on Dubai Metro. However, foldable strollers should be folded during peak hours to save space. Priority seating areas and elevators are available for parents with young children. Ensure strollers don't block doors, aisles, or emergency exits.
Regular bicycles are not allowed on Dubai Metro. However, foldable bicycles that can be completely folded and placed in a carrying bag are permitted. The folded bicycle must not exceed the standard luggage dimensions (2m x 0.7m x 0.5m) and should be stored in designated luggage areas without blocking pathways.
If you believe you've received an unfair fine, you can file an appeal through the RTA website or visit an RTA customer service center within 30 days of receiving the fine. Provide your ticket/Nol card details and any evidence supporting your case. The RTA will review your appeal and respond within 10 working days. Keep all receipts and documentation.
Yes, certified service dogs (guide dogs) for people with disabilities are allowed on Dubai Metro. You must carry proper identification and certification for your service dog. The dog should be on a leash and well-behaved. Pet dogs and other animals are strictly prohibited, even in carriers.
Personal photography for private use is generally allowed, but you must not photograph other passengers without their consent. Commercial photography, videography, or any filming for business purposes requires prior written permission from RTA. Violations can result in fines up to AED 1,000 and confiscation of equipment.
Peak hours are Saturday to Thursday from 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. During these times, the women and children cabin is strictly enforced, and trains are more crowded. It's recommended to fold strollers and avoid carrying large items during peak hours. Gold Class tickets offer a more comfortable experience during busy periods.
Yes, you can eat or drink in designated areas outside the paid zones of metro stations (before passing through the entry gates). Some stations have cafes and food outlets in the unpaid public areas. However, once you tap in and enter the platform or train, all eating and drinking is strictly prohibited.
You have 60 days to pay a metro fine from the date of issuance. Failure to pay within this period may result in additional penalties, restrictions on using your Nol card, or legal action. Unpaid fines may also affect visa renewals and other government services. Pay promptly to avoid complications.
Need Help or Want to Report a Violation?
Contact RTA Customer Service 24/7
For emergencies, use the emergency help point located in every metro train and station
RTA Website
Visit rta.ae for comprehensive information and online services
RTA Dubai App
Download the official app for journey planning and Nol card management
Service Centers
Visit customer service desks at major metro stations for assistance
Cultural Etiquette on Dubai Metro
Dubai is a cosmopolitan city with diverse cultures. Following these etiquette guidelines ensures a pleasant journey for everyone
Dress Code
- Dress modestly and respectfully
- Shoulders and knees should be covered
- Avoid transparent or revealing clothing
- Beach wear is not appropriate
- Respect local customs and traditions
Communication
- Keep conversations at respectful volume
- Use polite language at all times
- English and Arabic are widely understood
- Avoid controversial or sensitive topics
- Be patient with non-native speakers
Personal Space
- Maintain appropriate personal distance
- Avoid unnecessary physical contact
- No public displays of affection
- Respect gender segregation where indicated
- Be mindful during crowded times
Religious Considerations
- Respect prayer times and practices
- Be patient during Ramadan hours
- Avoid eating publicly during fasting hours
- Show respect in mixed cultural settings
- Follow local customs and traditions
Excellence in Service
Dubai Metro has won numerous international awards for cleanliness, punctuality, and customer service. Your cooperation in following these rules helps maintain these high standards. Together, we can ensure Dubai Metro remains one of the world's best urban transport systems.
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