Dubai, as of July 6th, 2023, has enacted sweeping changes to its traffic laws, placing a significant emphasis on serious violations that jeopardize both individuals and property.
As part of these amendments, penalties have been sharply increased, with fines reaching a staggering AED 100,000 for certain offenses.
However, one violation that's been spotlighted with an incredibly hefty fine is jumping a red light.
Prominent Changes and Their Implications
Jumping a red light, an act often dismissed as a minor transgression, can now see motorists slapped with a hefty fine of AED 50,000.
The move is a clear statement of intent from the Dubai authorities, reflecting their commitment to promoting safety and discipline on the roads.
This AED 50,000 fine isn't limited to red light violations. It also applies to a host of other severe offenses, such as:
- Reckless driving, posing a danger to lives and property.
- Riding recreational motorcycles on paved roads.
- Using a fake, forged, obscured, or unlawfully used number plate.
- Deliberately causing damage to a police vehicle or colliding with it.
- Operating a vehicle by a person under the age of 18.
Participating in an unauthorized road race, however, is regarded as a more serious offense. Motorists found guilty of this violation will face a jaw-dropping fine of AED 100,000.
Additional Traffic Violations and Their Penalties in Dubai
The updated regulations also introduce an AED 10,000 fine for specific traffic violations, which include:
- Making significant modifications to a vehicle to increase speed, noise, or disturbances
- Evading the police
- Driving a vehicle without license plates
- Engaging in gatherings to watch races or partake in disorderly activities
- Exceeding the allowed tint percentage for vehicle windows or tinting the front windshield without permission
Impoundment and Release of Vehicles: New Administrative Measures
If the total Dubai traffic fines for a vehicle exceed AED 6,000, the Dubai Police have the authority to impound it administratively.
The release of impounded vehicles will require the payment of all fines and the rectification of the violations that led to the impoundment. Additional conditions specified by the Dubai Police may also apply.
In line with existing legislation, non-UAE national drivers of heavy vehicles who jump a red light could face deportation.
If a vehicle is impounded for the same offense within one year of a previous impoundment, the impoundment period and release fee will be doubled, with the release amount capped at AED 200,000 and the impoundment period not exceeding 90 days.
Your Road Safety Matters
These newly implemented regulations aim to enhance road safety and encourage responsible behavior on the streets of Dubai. Remember, jumping a red light is no small offense and could lead to a significant fine of AED 50,000.
As responsible motorists, it's essential to keep up to date with the changing traffic regulations and penalties to ensure road safety and compliance with the law. With the new fines in place, observing traffic rules has never been more critical. Let's make the roads of Dubai safer for everyone.