More than 500 residents revealed that they had accumulated traffic fines exceeding Dh20,000, highlighting the significant financial burden that traffic violations can impose on drivers.
Accumulating traffic fines
For Emirati driver H.K., 2023 was particularly challenging, as she amassed fines totaling Dh80,000, primarily due to speeding. H.K. confessed that many of the fines were from instances where she was unaware of speed limits during long drives. Other fines included penalties for lane discipline and using a mobile phone while driving. H.K. admitted that she has a history of receiving speeding fines, despite her yearly resolutions to drive more responsibly. Seeing the staggering Dh80,000 bill shocked her and reinforced her commitment to becoming a better driver.
Out of the 9,100 respondents to the traffic fines poll, over 7,500 individuals reported having accrued less than Dh5,000 in penalties annually. However, more than 500 admitted to fines exceedingexceeding Dh20,000. This disparity highlights the varying degrees of adherence to traffic regulations among UAE drivers.
Fines for Slow Driving
In a related development, Abu Dhabi police reported penalizing over 300,000 drivers for driving too slowly on highways. The emirate introduced a minimum speed limit of 120 km/h in the first two lanes of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Road in May 2023 to prevent accidents caused by slow driving. Indian expat Shanil Abdul Rahman and his wife, frequent travelers between Ajman and Abu Dhabi, have been fined for slow driving. Despite budgeting Dh2,000 for fines, they had already incurred Dh1,400 in penalties midway through the year.
For some, the risk of traffic fines influences significant life decisions. German expat Maheen Husainy and her husband considered moving away from the city to manage rising rent costs. However, after factoring in additional expenses such as fuel and potential fines, they decided against it. Husainy emphasized that longer daily commutes increase the likelihood of traffic violations due to fatigue and negligence.
Pakistani expat Sara K. shared a cautionary tale about her younger brother, who accumulated Dh30,000 in fines during his first year of driving. His reckless behavior led to strict rules from their father, ultimately teaching him a valuable lesson. Since then, he has avoided speeding fines, illustrating how strict enforcement and familial pressure can lead to better driving habits.
Resolving to Avoid Fines
For 34-year-old Emirati driver Noora T., a Dh6,000 fine in 2018 was a wake-up call. Since then, she has committed to driving carefully and avoiding distractions like mobile phones. Her determination has paid off, as she has not received a single fine in six years, allowing her to spend her hard-earned money on more enjoyable pursuits.
Common traffic violations and fines
The Dubai Police list several common traffic violations and their associated fines. fines. :
- Driving dangerously: Dh2000 fine, 23 black points, and vehicle confiscation for 60 days.
- Using a handheld mobile phone while driving: Dh800 fine and 4 black points.
- Jumping a red light: Dh1000 fine, 12 black points, and vehicle confiscation for 30 days.
- Exceeding the speed limit by more than 80 km/h: Dh1000 fine, 12 black points, and vehicle confiscation for 30 days.
- Entering a road dangerously: Dh600 fine and 6 black points.
- Driving with an expired license: Dh500 fine, 4 black points, and vehicle confiscation for 7 days.
- Allowing children under 10 or under 145 cm to sit in front seats: Dh400 fine.
Understanding these fines can help drivers adhere to traffic regulations, promotepromote safer roads,roads, and reducereduce financial burdens.
