It is crucial to respect all traffic laws when driving on UAE roads. However, it can also be very harmful to disregard safety procedures inside the car.
For this reason, Ministerial Resolution No. 178 of 2017 on the Rules and Procedures of Traffic Control outlines five particular offenses that might result in fines for drivers.
The following are the car-related mistakes you should steer clear of:
1. Using your phone while driving or being distracted while driving
Dh800 fine, 4 black points
Article 32 of the Federal Traffic Law of the United Arab Emirates states that using a cell phone while operating a vehicle will result in a Dh800 fine and four black points.
Also, according to Article 29 of the UAE Federal Traffic Law, if you get into an accident due to inattentive driving, you could be fined Dh1,000 and receive four more black points.
2. Allowing children under 10 years old or shorter than 145 cm to sit in the front seat of a vehicle.
Fine: Dh400
According to Article 49 of the Federal Traffic Laws, front seat passengers must also be at least 145 cm tall and at least 10 years old. Parents who let kids ride in the backseat of a car without a child seat will be fined Dh400.
3. Not fixing child seats for children under four years of age in the vehicle.
Fine: Dh400
In addition to having to sit in the rear, children under the age of four should ride in a car seat that is permanently installed in the back seat.
4. Driver not wearing a seatbelt
Fine: Dh400, 4 black points
Article 51 of the UAE Traffic Law, which is intended to protect the safety of all road users and to prevent injuries and fatalities from traffic accidents, stipulates the fines for not wearing a seat belt. Drivers who are caught breaking the rule will be fined $400 and given four black points.
5. Passengers not wearing seatbelts
Dh400
All passengers in the vehicle must wear seatbelts, so whether you are traveling with family or friends, it is crucial to check that everyone is buckled up securely. A Dh400 fine will be assessed to any passenger who is not found to be buckled up.
Also Read: Here are 5 violations you should be aware of if you are driving in the UAE