Dubai motorist hit with Dh7,500 fines over friend's car

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Dubai: A Dubai Civil Court has ordered a driver to pay Dh7,500 to a vehicle owner following a legal dispute over unpaid traffic violations and Salik toll charges. The ruling established that the defendant was liable for the costs incurred while the vehicle was in his actual possession under a verbal purchase agreement.

The case originated when the vehicle owner handed over his car to the defendant based on a ‘friendly relationship’ and a mutual understanding that the buyer would settle all outstanding fines. 

However, the claimant alleged that after taking possession, the defendant failed to fulfill the agreement, neither paying the fines nor completing the ownership transfer. During the period the defendant used the car, additional violations amounting to Dh16,050 and 35 black points were recorded against the vehicle's file.

In its judgment, the court cited the UAE Civil Transactions Law, noting that civil liability is established when there is proof of fault, damage, and a direct causal link. 

While the owner sought Dh15,000 in compensation for alleged market value damage, the court rejected this due to a lack of evidence. Additionally, the court dismissed the request to transfer the 35 black points, explaining that traffic violations remain legally attached to the registered owner at the time of the offense and cannot be amended retroactively. 

This ruling serves as a critical reminder of the legal risks involved in handing over vehicles without formalizing ownership transfers through official channels