If you drive in Sharjah regularly, you’ve probably had that moment: you park, walk away, then remember “wait, is this a paid zone?” One SMS later you’re safe, or you forget and come back to a AED 100 fine on the windshield. Parking tickets in Sharjah are not huge, but they’re annoying, especially when you realize it was just a 2-hour forgetfulness.
I’ve been driving here for years, got fined twice early on (yes, my own mistake), and now I never park without checking. Here’s the complete, real-world guide for 2026 on how Sharjah parking SMS works — when to pay, how to send the message, what happens if you don’t, and every little tip people actually use to stay fine-free.
First — When Do You Need to Pay for Parking in Sharjah?
Most public parking follows these timings (same in 2026):
- Paid hours: Saturday to Thursday → 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Friday & official holidays: Free all day in almost all places (but always check the sign)
- Night time: Free everywhere after 10:00 PM until 8:00 AM next morning
So in practice:
- Weekdays daytime → pay
- Friday & holidays → usually free
- After 10 PM → free no matter what day
Hourly rate:
- Most streets → AED 2 per hour
- Busy zones (Corniche, Al Majaz, near malls) → AED 3 per hour
- Max daily cap: AED 20–25 in most areas
How to Pay Parking by SMS in Sharjah (Step by Step)
Sharjah uses SMS payment almost everywhere — it’s simple once you know the format.
Normal Way to Pay:
- Park your car and look at the blue parking sign It shows the SMS number (usually 5566 or 80085)
- Open your messages
- Type exactly: SHJ [space] your plate number Example: SHJ 12345 (Write plate number exactly as it appears — include letters like G or H if it’s GCC plate)
- Send to the number on the sign
- Wait 5–10 seconds — you get reply: “Payment successful” + expiry time (Usually gives you 2–4 hours depending on zone)
If you stay longer: Just send the same message again before it expires — it adds more time.
Cost: AED 2 or 3 per hour (deducted from your mobile balance) No extra SMS charge in most cases.
Important:
- Send from the mobile number registered in your Emirates ID or car registration
- If wrong number → payment fails and you get fined
- Some older signs have different codes — always read the sign, don’t assume it’s 5566
How to Check If You Paid or How Much Time Left
Sharjah doesn’t have a perfect “check balance” SMS like some emirates, but here’s what works:
- Look at your last SMS reply — it shows the expiry time (e.g., “valid until 14:30”)
- Send “STATUS” or “INFO” to the same parking number — in some zones it replies with current status
- Use Sharjah RTA app (best way):
- Download “Sharjah Roads & Transport” app
- Log in (Emirates ID or phone)
- Go to “Parking” → enter plate number → Shows paid status, expiry time, any active fines
Tip: If you get fined even after paying — screenshot the SMS confirmation and appeal through the app or SRTA office.
Special Parking Areas in Sharjah (Different Rules)
- Sharjah Corniche & Al Majaz Waterfront: Paid all day — even Fridays in some parts (AED 2–3/hour)
- Near big malls (Mega Mall, City Centre Sharjah, Safeer): Free for first 2–4 hours, then paid — check mall signs
- Residential compounds & new areas: Mostly free, but some charge visitor parking
- Near universities & schools: Paid only during class hours (7 AM–2 PM or 8 AM–3 PM)
- Free streets: Many areas in Al Khan, Al Majaz 3, Al Qasimia are free all day — no sign = free
What Happens If You Get a Parking Fine in Sharjah?
- Normal fine: AED 100 (first offence)
- If left unpaid: adds AED 50–100 every 30 days
- Very long ignore: towing + storage fees (AED 50/day)
How to pay fine:
- Sharjah RTA app → “Pay Fines” → enter plate number
- Online at www.srta.gov.ae
- At any Tasheel center or SRTA office
- Pay within 15 days — sometimes discount if early
How to appeal: If you paid but got fined anyway — screenshot SMS proof, go to app → “Dispute Fine” or visit SRTA office with evidence. They usually cancel if you show proof.
Practical Tips from People Who Drive in Sharjah Every Day
- Always read the sign — some streets free all day, some paid only mornings, some malls free for 2 hours
- Use Sharjah RTA app — pay from phone, get reminders when time is ending, check fines instantly
- Take photo of parking spot + sign when you park — proof if fine comes by mistake
- Fridays mostly free but Corniche, Al Majaz and mall areas still charge — don’t assume
- After 10 PM park almost anywhere free — good for late-night walks or meetings
- If parking for long time — send SMS every few hours to extend (or use app to pay full day)
- Join “Sharjah Residents” or “Sharjah Expats” Facebook groups — people post new paid zones, free spots, fine appeal tips, and even warn about hidden cameras
Final Thoughts
Ajman parking SMS is actually very simple once you get the hang of it — pay 8 AM to 10 PM most days, free at night and Fridays (except busy spots). Download the app, check signs every time, and you’ll rarely get fined.
Have you ever got a parking ticket in Sharjah? What’s your best free parking spot or hack? Comment below — helps everyone!
Safe driving! 🚗🇦🇪
Any questions? Just ask — happy to help!