Baghdad sets fine for washing cars in public streets

BAGHDAD – Baghdad Municipality has introduced a fine of 500,000 dinars (about $352) for washing cars in public streets, saying the practice damages newly upgraded roads and wastes scarce water resources amid Iraq’s deepening drought.

Municipality spokesperson Uday Al-Jandil told the state-owned Iraqi News Agency that inspectors will penalize anyone who uses public roads as informal car washes. “Baghdad Municipality will fine anyone who violates the streets, especially after significant funds were spent on their development,” he said.

Al-Jandil said some residents wash their cars on main roads, allowing water, soap and sediment to seep into the pavement and drainage systems, which accelerates wear and clogs infrastructure.

He explained that enforcement will rely on documentation and coordination with traffic authorities. “If a car is washed in a public street, the violation is documented by photographing the vehicle during the act, showing its plate number. The image is then sent to the General Traffic Directorate to attach the fine to the vehicle. When the owner visits the relevant authority, the fine will be supported by an image showing it was issued by Baghdad Municipality,” he said.

Al-Jandil said the municipality has publicized the ban through media and social platforms, outlining how penalties will be issued and warning residents to avoid washing vehicles in public areas, particularly on streets that have recently undergone upgrades. He added that some commercial car washes were also closed for using potable water without proper authorization.

Producing drinking water for the capital is costly, he said, noting that the government subsidizes about 90 percent of production while citizens pay only 5 to 10 percent of the real cost. He added that “one-quarter of the water produced is wasted due to violations.”

Iraq is experiencing what officials describe as “its worst water crisis in eight decades,” with reserves in dams and reservoirs dropping to historically low levels. According to the Water Resources Ministry, storage in 2025 has fallen to as little as 8 percent of total capacity, driven by climate-driven drought, reduced rainfall, shrinking flows from the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, and upstream dam projects.