Sharjah Auctioning Unclaimed Vehicles Soon

Seized Vehicles in Sharjah to be Auctioned if Unclaimed

One of the most significant cities in the United Arab Emirates, Sharjah, has issued another warning to owners of impounded vehicles. On September 8, the Sharjah City Municipality released an urgent announcement indicating that the fate of vehicles impounded for more than six months, be it cars, motorcycles, construction vehicles, or bicycles, will soon be permanently decided if the owners do not take steps to reclaim them.

Owners have only four days to visit the Inspection and Supervision Department located in Industrial Area 5, Sharjah, to begin necessary administrative procedures. Those who fail to comply will see their vehicle auctioned publicly on Thursday, September 11.

Regulation Tightening

On September 2, Sharjah's city administration amended the related regulations: now, vehicles can be sold after three months if the owner does not act in time to recover them. However, owners of vehicles abandoned for over six months have been given a final chance – but this truly is the last warning.

Why Are Vehicles Seized?

City authorities can seize vehicles for multiple reasons:

Vehicles abandoned for long periods on streets or public property

Illegal parking, traffic law violations

Technical defects that threaten traffic safety

Seizure in an official procedure (e.g., unpaid fines)

In such cases, the vehicle is towed and relocated to a designated storage site. The owner usually needs to pay fines, storage fees, and administrative costs to retrieve the vehicle.

How Much Does It Cost to Reclaim?

Under the current regulation, the fines related to vehicle reclamation can range from 5,000 to 30,000 dirhams. This depends on the severity of the violation, the elapsed time, and the type of vehicle. Storage fees for heavy vehicles or construction machinery naturally cost more than for a scooter or car.

Reclaiming a vehicle before auction is not only an administrative challenge but financially daunting as well – however, it is the only way to keep the vehicle from going to a third party.

How Does the Auction Work?

Vehicle auctions in Sharjah are conducted officially. During public events, attendees can bid on available vehicles, which they can view beforehand. Vehicles auctioned can include valuable cars or high-performance motorcycles – especially if seized for violations or long-term abandonment.

Vehicles typically need repairs or may have missing parts, so buyers always bid at their own risk. Nonetheless, these auctions are great opportunities for buyers looking for vehicles at favorable prices.

What to Do if Your Vehicle Is on the List?

If someone suspects their vehicle was towed or seized months ago, they should immediately contact the Sharjah City Municipality's Inspection and Supervision Department. There, they must present ownership documents and begin processing. The authority evaluates each case individually, but the time factor is critical: the four-day deadline runs from September 8 to September 11.

After this, the municipality assumes no responsibility for the vehicle's fate, and auction preparations begin. The owner loses all rights to the vehicle, and the new purchaser becomes the lawful owner.

Lessons Learned

Sharjah's municipal step is a clear signal to all vehicle owners: they adhere to a zero-tolerance policy toward neglected and abandoned vehicles. The stricter regulation aims to eliminate the issue of motionless vehicles parked on public spaces for weeks or months, which pose not just aesthetic but safety and environmental problems.

This decision fits into the UAE's broader urban planning and transport policy strategy, which increasingly emphasizes clean, orderly, and sustainable urban environments. Removing abandoned vehicles is part of this process and reflects the authorities' determination.

Summary

Anyone with a vehicle seized for more than six months in Sharjah must act swiftly: there will be no chance to reclaim after September 11. The fines are high, but the loss is permanent after the auction. The municipality has made it clear: they will not tolerate neglected vehicles any longer and will take steps to relieve public spaces.

This measure also sends a message to all city residents: cities in the UAE, including Dubai and Sharjah, aim to maintain their international reputation with high-quality infrastructure and cleanliness – and this requires everyone's cooperation.

(Source based on an urgent announcement from Sharjah City Municipality.)