Dubai Implements Stricter Penalties for Serious Traffic Offenses
In order to enhance road safety and prevent reckless driving, Dubai has implemented a series of amendments to its traffic law, imposing significant penalties on motorists who commit serious traffic offenses. Effective on 6th July, drivers who engage in reckless driving, jump red lights or indulge in other specified violations will be required to pay a staggering sum of Dh50,000 to have their confiscated vehicles released.
The amended law aims to tackle a range of dangerous driving behaviors that endanger lives and pose risks to properties. Among the offenses that incur the Dh50,000 penalty are riding recreational motorcycles on paved roads, driving in a manner that endangers lives or properties, and deliberately colliding with a police vehicle or causing damage to it.
Additionally, driving a vehicle with a fake, forged, obscured, or unlawfully used number plate and allowing a person under 18 years old to operate a vehicle also falls under this category.
Furthermore, drivers who participate in road races without prior permission from the police face an even steeper penalty of Dh100,000 to release their confiscated vehicles. This measure aims to discourage illegal street racing and promote responsible driving practices.
For offenses deemed less severe but still warranting substantial penalties, impounded vehicles will require a Dh10,000 payment for release. These violations include making significant modifications to vehicles resulting in increased speed, noise, or disturbances during operation, evading the police, driving without license plates, and exceeding the permitted tint percentage for vehicle windows.
Dubai Police have also introduced administrative impoundment for vehicles with total traffic fines exceeding Dh6,000. In such cases, the impounded vehicle can be released upon payment of the imposed fines.
If vehicle owners fail to claim their impounded vehicles after the designated impoundment period, they will be liable to pay a daily fee of Dh50 for each day beyond the impoundment period.
To qualify for vehicle release, owners must meet certain requirements, including the payment of all fines associated with the vehicle's traffic file, the rectification of the violation or removal of its causes, and any other conditions specified by Dubai Police.
In addition to the hefty fines, non-UAE national drivers operating heavy vehicles who run red lights will face administrative deportation from the UAE. This measure underscores the seriousness with which Dubai regards road safety and aims to ensure compliance among all drivers, irrespective of their nationality.
Repeat offenders will face harsher consequences, as the impoundment period for a vehicle will be doubled if it is impounded again within one year for the same offense. However, the maximum impoundment period is capped at 90 days. Similarly, the release amount for impounded vehicles will be doubled if the vehicle is impounded again within one year, with a maximum release amount of Dh200,000.
Dubai's intensified approach towards traffic violations reflects its commitment to safeguarding lives and promoting responsible driving habits. With these stricter penalties in place, authorities hope to foster a culture of road safety, reducing accidents and enhancing the overall driving experience in the city.
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