As part of a major initiative to enhance the safety of traffic in the emirate, Dubai Police announced new rules and regulations under which vehicles would be impounded for as long as 30 days considering the severity of traffic offenses.
Key Points of the New Regulations:
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30-Day Impoundment Offences:
- Using mobile phones while driving
- Tailgating or following too closely
- Sudden lane changes that pose risks to safety
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14-Day Impoundment Offences:
- Entering roads without ensuring they are clear
- Reversing dangerously or unsafely
- Lane indiscipline and stopping unnecessarily in the road
- Dangerous overtaking maneuvers
- Driving without proper safety measures in the vehicle
- Stopping on road shoulders without emergency needs
- Obstructing traffic with improper driving practices
These changes by Dubai police come alongside existing penalties, which already include hefty fines ranging from Dh400 to Dh1,000 and points on the driver’s license. Stiff regulations come amid a recent survey showing a third of motorists regularly admit to making or taking calls while driving, putting additional emphasis on the unmet need for greater attention to road safety.
There have been several reports of rampant reckless driving in Dubai that led to various accidents, and therefore, the new regulations are of the essence in further curtailing traffic incidents. It thus follows previous arrangements, for example, the hefty Dh50,000 fine charged for the release of vehicles involved in serious violation cases including reckless driving and red light jumping.
Dubai continues to emphasize on ensuring a safer road for all and in that context, these kinds of efforts are a proactive measure toward a safer driving environment for all its residents.
