Dubai resident Sanjay Rizvi, a 22-year-old Indian expat, found himself in a situation he never expected when he ran a red light while rushing to work last October.
His brand-new electric car, a Tesla sedan, was impounded for one month, and he was slapped with a hefty Dh50,000 fine for the release of his vehicle.
“I learned my lesson and now I’ve become more careful on the road,” Rizvi told Khaleej Times. His experience highlights the UAE’s zero-tolerance approach to reckless driving and the stringent measures designed to deter such offenses.
Traffic law violations in the UAE are met with severe penalties, including vehicle confiscation, legal summons, and potential prosecution.
The authorities’ commitment to road safety is evident in the consistent and robust enforcement of traffic laws across the country.
In a recent move, Sharjah became the latest emirate to impose hefty fines on reckless drivers. For violations such as riding motorcycles in restricted areas, vehicle owners now face a Dh20,000 fee to retrieve their impounded vehicles.
Similarly, driving without a license carries a Dh30,000 fine for the release of the vehicle.
These penalties follow the same approach already implemented in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, where reckless driving offenses result in fines of Dh50,000, accompanied by vehicle impoundment.
Ras Al Khaimah, another UAE emirate, imposes fines of up to Dh20,000 for reckless driving, along with a three-month impoundment period.
In the event that fines are not paid or impounded cars are not reclaimed within the three-month period, the vehicles are auctioned off. These strict measures are designed to promote road safety and curb reckless behavior among drivers.
Dr. Mustafa Aldah, founder of MA-Traffic Consulting and former head of the traffic studies section at Dubai Police, sees the imposition of heavy fines as timely, given the upcoming change in the UAE’s driving age law.
Starting March 29 this year, anyone aged 17 and above will be eligible to obtain a driving license, making the UAE the first country in the GCC to lower the minimum driving age.
Dr. Aldah believes that this change is part of a broader effort to keep pace with global advancements in transportation and promote public security.
“The UAE is consistent in promoting road safety,” Dr. Aldah noted. “We’ve been seeing an increasing police presence in many areas to enhance security.
The hefty fines will make motorists more cautious to avoid having their vehicles impounded.” The heightened awareness of traffic laws, aided by media coverage, plays a key role in shaping public behavior and ensuring safer roads.
Phil Clarke, director of road safety and enforcement at 4E Road Safety and Transport Consultants, stresses that while deterrents like vehicle impounding and severe penalties are crucial, they may not be enough to curb all reckless behavior.
“Severe penalties alone won’t address every type of bad driving behavior, especially for those who feel the risk of being caught is low,” Clarke explained.
Clarke advocates for a more comprehensive approach to road safety, which includes not only imposing penalties but also educating drivers on the risks of poor behavior.
He points to the UK, where long-term driving bans and significant insurance premiums for violators serve as effective deterrents. “Disqualification from driving can have far-reaching consequences, including loss of employment,” Clarke said.
UAE authorities emphasize that public safety is a shared responsibility, urging all road users to follow safety regulations and report violations. With stricter enforcement and increased public awareness, the UAE aims to ensure safer roads for everyone.