Under UAE law, driving a vehicle with damaged or worn-out tires is a violation, resulting in a Dh500 fine, 4 black points on the license, and a one-week vehicle impoundment.
Tire Safety Regulations in the UAE
The Ministry of Interior's records indicate that in the previous year, a total of 22 accidents occurred in the UAE due to tire explosions. Thirteen incidents were recorded in Abu Dhabi, four in Dubai, one in Sharjah, one in Fujairah, and three in Ras Al Khaimah.
As temperatures rise during the summer months, the Abu Dhabi Police have issued reminders to drivers emphasizing the importance of regular tire inspections. With the risk of blowouts escalating in hot weather conditions, tire maintenance becomes imperative, as highlighted in their recent road safety campaign.
As part of initiatives like the 'safe summer' and 'accident-free summer' campaigns, drivers are encouraged to conduct periodic vehicle inspections to ensure safety by identifying any damage or cracks that could potentially lead to tire blowouts and subsequent traffic accidents.
While excessive speed is a known factor that increases the likelihood of tire bursts on the road, there are various other contributing factors to consider. These include the age of the tires, as they deteriorate over time and with poor driving habits, compromising traction and heightening the risk of bursts. Additionally, elevated heat levels can cause tire pressure to rise excessively, leading to expansion and potential bursts.
Overloading a vehicle beyond its payload capacity places undue stress on tires, increasing the likelihood of bursting. Furthermore, tires that are worn out or damaged should be promptly repaired or replaced to mitigate the risk of bursts. The quality of tires also plays a significant role, as low-quality tires wear out faster and are more susceptible to bursts. Moreover, both under-inflated and over-inflated tires are prone to damage and bursting.
Legal Consequences for Non-Compliance
Authorities are vigilant in enforcing traffic regulations pertaining to tire maintenance, citing Article 82 of the Federal Traffic Law. Increased traffic checks have been implemented to apprehend violators and raise awareness about the dangers associated with driving vehicles equipped with faulty tires.
According to records from the Ministry of Interior, a substantial number of violations were issued to drivers found to be operating vehicles with unfit tires. These violations were distributed across various emirates, with Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al-Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah all recording instances of non-compliance with tire safety regulations.
