Dubai: Distracted drivers in Dubai who are caught using mobile phones while driving now face a 30-day vehicle impounding under new traffic regulations.
Dubai Police have enacted stringent legislation that broadens the range of offenses leading to vehicle seizure aiming to enhance road safety.
The new law also target dangerous behaviors such as sudden swerving, tailgating, and poor lane discipline, as outlined in the government’s Official Gazette.
Fines and Black Points
The new decree, applicable solely to Dubai’s roads, can be enforced immediately. The federal traffic law in the UAE imposes fines ranging from Dh400 to Dh1,000 ($109 to $272) and assigns four black points for certain offenses. Under the new amendment in Dubai, an additional penalty of a 30-day vehicle impoundment will be enforced.
New Impoundment rules
Sudden swerving in a way cause danger on individuals or properties – vehicle impounded for 30 days
Not leaving safe distance between vehicles – 30 days
Distracted while driving due to using a phone or other devices – 30 days
Entering a road without making sure its empty – 14 days
Reversing in a way causing danger for individuals and properties – 14 days
Failure to adhere to mandatory lane discipline – 14 days
Stopping in the middle of the road without reason – 14 days
Dangerous overtaking – 14 days
Vehicle being unsafe to drive – 14 days
Heavy vehicle failing to adhere to mandatory lane discipline – 14 days
Stopping the vehicle on hard shoulder in non-emergency situations, or overtaking other vehicles using hard shoulder – 14 days
Driving a vehicle without a number plate – 14 days
Driving a vehicle in a way that obstructs traffic – 14 days
Changing color of the vehicle without permission – 14 days
The new directives from Dubai Police aim to tackle reckless driving and reduce road injuries and fatalities.
Since June last year, significant penalties have been introduced, including impoundment release fees of up to Dh100,000 ($27,220) for unauthorized road racing and Dh50,000 ($13,610) for running red lights.
If a driver reoffends within a year, the impoundment duration and fees are doubled, and existing traffic fines must be paid in addition to these new fees.
Rising road accidents
Road accidents in the UAE increased by 11% last year, with 4,391 incidents reported in 2023, resulting in 352 fatalities, a slight rise from 343 in 2022. Abu Dhabi recorded 133 deaths and 1,850 injuries, while Dubai saw 121 deaths and 2,607 injuries. Other emirates also reported fatalities, including Sharjah with 34 deaths, Ras Al Khaimah with 30, and Fujairah with seven.