Dubai: Legal experts have warned that individuals using private vehicles to provide unlicensed transport and delivery services in pursuit of additional income may face significant legal and financial consequences, including fines, vehicle impoundment and civil or criminal liability.The warning comes amid the growing presence of social media accounts promoting 'carlift' services and delivery operations, with operators advertising trips, routes and contact details through platforms such as Facebook and Instagram.What the law saysLawyer Ali Yousef Al AwadhiLawyer Ali Yousef Al Awadhi said that while such services may appear convenient and inexpensive, they become illegal when offered for payment without obtaining the necessary licences from the competent authorities.He noted that unlicensed transport services operate outside the monitoring, inspection and professional standards applied to authorised transport providers. He also warned that standard vehicle insurance policies may not cover accidents involving vehicles used for unauthorised commercial activities.Al Awadhi said that passenger rights may also be difficult to protect in the event of an accident or criminal incident involving an unlicensed service provider.He pointed to Article 5 of Dubai Executive Council Resolution No. 6 of 2016 regulating passenger transport by vehicles, which prohibits carrying passengers for payment in unlicensed vehicles and also prohibits advertising or promoting such services through communications platforms, electronic media or smart applications.Hefty finesUnder Executive Council Resolution No. 20 of 2021, the fine for transporting passengers for payment in an unlicensed vehicle is AED5,000. The same penalty applies to advertising or promoting the service, while operating the activity without a permit carries a fine of AED10,000.Vehicles may also be impounded for up to six months, while annual fines are capped at AED30,000 for individuals and AED50,000 for businesses.Al Awadhi added that federal traffic regulations impose a fine of AED3,000, 24 black points and a 30-day vehicle impoundment for using a vehicle to transport passengers without a licence.He urged the public to use authorised transport services, stating that lower fares do not justify the legal and safety risks involved.Unlicensed transport servicesLawyer Hossam Al MawafiLawyer Hossam Al Mawafi said owning a vehicle and a driving licence does not entitle a person to use a private vehicle commercially to generate income through passenger transport or delivery services without obtaining official permits.He said many people engage in unlicensed transport services to earn additional income, but a single traffic accident could expose them to financial liabilities far exceeding any profits generated from hundreds of trips.According to Al Mawafi, accidents resulting in injury, death or property damage can lead to substantial compensation claims and legal costs, while liability may extend beyond traffic offences to include civil and criminal consequences.He warned that the legal risks become even greater if a vehicle is used to transport prohibited items, smuggle people in violation of residency laws, or carry hazardous materials without proper authorisation.Al Mawafi stressed the importance of distinguishing between sharing personal journeys with relatives or friends and providing transport services to the public for payment.He also warned that advertising transport or delivery services on social media can serve as evidence of organised and ongoing commercial activity.Advertising on social mediaPublishing fares, schedules, routes and contact information, he said, can demonstrate that the service is being operated professionally and continuously, exposing operators and those managing online accounts to legal liability.He further cautioned drivers against transporting sealed packages without knowing their contents, noting that disputes involving narcotics or prohibited substances could result in criminal investigations to determine the driver's knowledge and intent.Passengers are also at riskAl Mawafi added that risks are not limited to drivers. Passengers using unlicensed transport services face uncertainty regarding insurance coverage, accountability and the identity of the service provider. Similar concerns apply to individuals handing packages to unknown couriers.He said using licensed transport and delivery companies ensures that providers are subject to regulatory oversight, identity verification and trip tracking, while offering a clear legal framework in the event of disputes or accidents.Police authorities have also warned against illegal passenger transport activities, citing risks to public safety and security.Authorities have urged passengers to use licensed and approved transport services and to cooperate in efforts to combat illegal transportation activities.
