The UAE government has issued new regulations in addition to amendments to the existing traffic rules to prevent accidents and violations and improve road safety. There are increased fines, and penalties, including black points, license suspension, vehicle confiscations, and even imprisonment. The fines are not the only thing that has increased; Dubai Car Insurance rates as well as the cost of Salik have also seen a considerable hike in recent years.
Read on to find out how the changes will affect you:
Distracted Driving
One of the major causes of road accidents in Dubai is distracted driving. The majority of the time, the cause is the use of mobile phones while driving. In order to remedy that, new penalties have been introduced. Now, if you get caught using your phone while driving, you could be fined up to AED 800 and get 4 black points on your license.
Passenger Safety
All persons seated inside a vehicle must wear a seat belt, including those sitting in the passenger and rear seats. Failure to adhere will result in a fine of AED 400 as well as four black points. Previously, only the drivers were fined for failing to fasten seat belts. Now, there is also a fine of AED 400 if children aged 10 years or younger are sitting in the front passenger seat without their seat belts on.
Reckless Driving
Driving in any way that endangers public life and property is also a traffic offense. Reckless driving will have a fine of up to AED 2,000, 23 black points, and the vehicle will be confiscated for 60 days. Heavy vehicles will now face a fine of AED 3,000 and their licenses will remain suspended for a year in case of reckless driving.
Unauthorized Road Races
The Dubai Police has also imposed fines of up to AED 100,000 for those participating in unauthorized road races. If the motorist runs a red light, they will have to pay a penalty of AED 50,000.
Hit & Run
Leaving the site of an accident without giving details can lead to imprisonment of up to one year in jail and a fine between AED 50,000 and AED 100,000. If a driver causes the death of another person due to negligence, they face imprisonment along with a minimum fine of AED 50,000.
Driving Under the Influence
Note that the UAE has a 0% tolerance policy for driving under the influence and taking drugs – both are serious criminal offenses and would likely result in jail time and deportation. So, if you are caught driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, a court appearance is mandatory, where your punishment will be decided. In addition to 23 black points, vehicle suspension can go up to 1 year. Typically, the punishment may include imprisonment, and/or a fine that could be between AED 20,000 and AED 100,000.
Individuals under the influence of narcotics or any psychotropic substances could face imprisonment and/or a fine ranging from AED 30,000 to AED 200,000.
Speeding
One of the most common traffic violations committed in the UAE is overspeeding. As a result of this, traffic fines have been increased in case of any violation. Exceeding the speed limit by 80 kmph or more means a fine of AED 2000, on top of 12 black points and vehicle seizure for 30 days. Those who exceed the limit by more than 60 kmph face the same penalties – fines of AED 2000, 12 black points, and 30 days of vehicle confiscation period.
Driving Without Number Plates
Driving a vehicle without number plates now results in a fine of AED 3000, 23 black points, and vehicle seizure for 90 days. Even if the car has a plate, but the numbers are unclear, you will be fined AED 400.
Driving Without or Suspended Driving License
Driving a vehicle in Dubai with an expired driving license is fined AED 500, with 4 black points, and a 7-day car confiscation period. Having a foreign driving license may be acceptable in certain permitted areas in the UAE, but if found driving in others where it is not permitted, you will have to pay a fine of AED 400. Drivers who are caught driving with a suspended license can face up to three months in prison and/or a fine of at least AED 10,000.
Note that the licensing authority has the right to suspend, cancel, or refuse to renew a license if the license holder is found unfit (medically) or unqualified to operate the car safely.
Illegal Transportation
New amendments also call for harsher penalties against transportation service providers illegally carrying/transporting passengers. This now draws a fine of AED 3000 (up from AED 200), and 24 black points instead of 4, and the vehicle will be confiscated for 30 days. There are licenses/permits for that. In the absence of such licenses, transportation of passengers will be fined AED 1,000, and 4 black points.
Autonomous & Electric Vehicles
The new law is designed to encourage the use of self-driving and electric cars by outlining how they will be inspected and licensed. The Federal Traffic Council has been established to oversee these rules. The law will also address issues like pedestrians crossing high-speed roads and rules for stopping or parking on the road.
Violations Leading to Impoundment of Vehicle
To summarize the main points about vehicle confiscation, the following traffic violations could result in having your vehicle taken away for either 14 or 30 days:
- Sudden swerving causing harm to individuals or properties: 30 days
- Not maintaining a safe distance between the vehicles: 30 days
- Using a phone or any other device while driving: 30 days
- Entering a road without ensuring it is clear: 14 days
- Causing danger to individuals or properties while reversing: 14 days
- Not following mandatory lane discipline: 14 days
- Halting in the middle of the road without any jurisdiction: 14 days
- Dangerous overtaking: 14 days
- Driving an unsafe vehicle: 14 days
- Heavy vehicle not adhering to lane discipline: 14 days
- Stopping/overtaking on the hard shoulder of the road without any emergency: 14 days
- Driving without a number plate: 14 days
- Obstructing traffic with a vehicle: 14 days
- Changing the color of a vehicle without permission: 14 days
Conclusion
All these amendments and new traffic regulations are introduced to counter the growing number of traffic accidents in Dubai and to improve road safety.
If you drive a car in Dubai, it is necessary to stay informed about the local traffic laws and ensure adherence. Additionally, make sure you have car insurance, as it is illegal to drive your car without car insurance in Dubai. In case you are looking to buy car insurance in the UAE, you can do so easily at ServiceMarket. Simply enter your details to compare policies and get free quotes from the best insurance companies.
