Dubai Introduces Amended Traffic Law: Comprehensive List of Violations and Fines, Up to Dh100,000 Penalty Effective Today

Dubai’s revised traffic law imposes a significant penalty of Dh50,000 for offenses such as reckless driving and running red lights. Starting from July 6, motorists will need to pay this fine to reclaim their impounded vehicles. Stay informed about the latest amendments to Dubai’s traffic regulations. Motorists need to be aware of the following offenses:

• Riding recreational motorcycles on paved roads
• Reckless driving or driving in a manner that endangers lives or properties
• Jumping a red light: Disregarding traffic signals and running red lights will result in penalties and potential vehicle confiscation.
• Use of fake, forged, obscured, or unlawfully used number plates: Driving a vehicle with any of these offenses can lead to severe penalties and possible vehicle impoundment.
• Deliberately colliding with a police vehicle or causing intentional damage: Such acts of aggression towards law enforcement will be met with strict legal action.
• Driving by a person under 18 years old: It is illegal for individuals under the age of 18 to operate a vehicle, and violations will be dealt with accordingly.

Additionally, engaging in a road race without prior permission from the police is deemed a serious traffic offense. Motorists involved in such activities will face a stiffer penalty of Dh100,000, and confiscated vehicles will only be released upon payment of the fine.

Under the revised traffic law in Dubai, motorists need to be aware of the Dh10,000 fine imposed for the following violations. Impounded vehicles with these offenses can only be released upon payment of the fine:

• Making substantial modifications to the vehicle resulting in increased speed, noise, or disturbances during operation or driving it: Any modifications made to vehicles that lead to enhanced speed, excessive noise, or disruptive operations are strictly prohibited. Violators will be subject to the specified fine.
• Evading the police: Engaging in acts to evade or escape from law enforcement is a serious offense. Drivers caught evading the police will face a Dh10,000 penalty.
• Driving a vehicle without license plates: It is mandatory for all vehicles to display valid license plates. Operating a vehicle without license plates is in violation of traffic regulations and will result in the specified fine.
• Gathering of drivers for the purpose of watching races or participating in chaotic activities resulting from them, or showcasing vehicles on the road: Organizing or participating in gatherings that involve watching races or engaging in disruptive activities on public roads is strictly prohibited. Similarly, showcasing vehicles on the road as part of such gatherings is also considered an offense, attracting a Dh10,000 penalty.
• Exceeding the allowed tint percentage for vehicle windows or tinting the front windshield without permission: Vehicles in Dubai have specific regulations regarding window tinting, including the permissible tint percentage. Exceeding the allowed tint or tinting the front windshield without proper permission is a violation and will lead to the specified fine.

Dubai Police have implemented certain administrative measures related to vehicle impoundment and release, which motorists should be aware of. Here are the details:

• Impoundment for exceeding Dh6,000 in traffic fines: If the total accumulated traffic fines for a vehicle exceed Dh6,000, Dubai Police can administratively impound the vehicle. The impounded vehicle can be released once the owner pays off the imposed traffic fines.
• Unclaimed impounded vehicles and daily fees: If the vehicle owner fails to claim their impounded vehicle after the impoundment period expires, they will be required to pay Dh50 for each day that passes after the end of the impoundment period.
• Requirements for vehicle release: To release an impounded vehicle, the following conditions must be met: payment of all fines associated with the vehicle’s traffic file, rectification of the violation or elimination of its causes, and any additional conditions specified by Dubai Police.
• Deportation and additional measures for non-UAE national drivers: Apart from the penalties outlined in the existing legislation, if a non-UAE national driver of a heavy vehicle runs a red light, they will be subject to administrative deportation from the UAE.
• Doubling of impoundment period and release fees: If a vehicle is impounded again within one year of a previous impoundment for the same offense, the impoundment period will be doubled, up to a maximum of 90 days. Similarly, the amount to be paid for the release of an impounded vehicle will be doubled if the vehicle is impounded again within one year for the same offense, provided that the release amount does not exceed Dh200,000.

It is crucial for all drivers in Dubai to familiarize themselves with these amended regulations to avoid potential penalties and ensure the safety of all road users. Stay informed and adhere to the updated traffic laws to maintain a secure driving environment.

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