In a bid to stop traffic accidents and violations and make the country’s roads safer, the UAE government has announced amendments to existing traffic rules. This follows an increase in Dubai Car Insurance rates earlier this year, as well as recent increases in cost of Salik. On top of increased fines, penalties will also include black points, license suspension and even vehicle confiscations. Read on to find out how the changes will affect you:
Eyes on the road
One of the major causes of road accidents in Dubai is distracted driving. In order to remedy that, new penalties have been introduced. Aside from using your mobile phone while driving, eating, drinking, applying makeup and even wearing sunglasses at night have been added to the list. In case of violations, car owners will incur fines up to AED 1000, 12 black points as well as risk confiscation of the vehicle for a month.
Safety first
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 fastening seat belts.
Reckless driving
Driving in anyway that endangers public life and property is also considered a traffic offence. Reckless driving including racing will have a fine of upto AED 2000, 23 black points, and the vehicle will be confiscated for a period of 60 days. Heavy vehicles will now face a fine of AED 3000 and their licences will remain suspended for a year in case of reckless driving.
Driving under influence
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. 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.
Speed thrills but kills
One of the most common traffic violations committed in the UAE is over speeding. 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 AED 3000, on top of 23 black points and vehicle seizure for 60 days. Those who exceed the limit by 60 kmph face fines of AED 2000.
Driving without number plates
Driving a vehicle without number plates now results in a fine of AED 3000, 24 black points and vehicle seizure for 60 days.
Illegal transportation
New amendments also call for harsher penalties against transportation service providers illegally carrying/transporting passengers. This now draws a fine of AED 1000 (up from AED 200), 24 black points instead of 4 black points, and the vehicle will be confiscated for 1 month instead of seven days. Fines for individuals operating and owning transportation services without a license has also been increased from AED 5000 to AED 20000.
That’s not all, these amendments are a just a prelude to new traffic regulations that are to be implemented to counter the growing number of traffic accidents in Dubai and to improve safety on the roads. Remember it is illegal to drive your car without car insurance in Dubai. If 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.
