Having an unkempt, dirty vehicle will bring you more than just an eye sore. It may also cost you Dh500 in fines.

Dubai Municipality has warned residents not to leave their cars unwashed for a long time as this type of uncivilised behaviour can tarnish the aesthetic appearance of the city.

“First, the vehicle will be identified whether it meets the conditions, such as obstructing the city’s cleanliness, and then a violation notice will be issued by putting a warning sticker on the vehicle,” said Abdul Majeed Abdul Aziz Al Saifaie, director of Dubai Municipality’s waste management department.

Drivers will have 15 days to clean the vehicle.

“If motorists fail to respond within this period, the vehicle will be confiscated and shifted to the scrap yard. And if the owner of the vehicle owner still refuses to pay the fine, the vehicle will be sold at auction,” added Al Saifaie.

When we talk about dirty cars, it is important to note that the warning does not extend to vehicles with light dirt around the tyres and some sand or dust around the body.

Authorities target vehicles that have been unwashed for months at an end, with the vehicle’s colour being under question.

Residents who park their vehicles in public parking spaces should take note of the warning, in order to avoid the Dh500 fine.