UAE new traffic laws: More police patrols, pedestrian lanes for safer roads
With residents returning to work post-Eid Al Fitr holidays, the roads are again bustling with the usual traffic.
In that regard, new traffic laws were enforced on Saturday March 29, which come with severe punishment of prison time and fines of up to Dh200,000 for serious offences.
Road safety experts welcomed the changes to federal traffic laws but warned that while penalties were critical, draconian punishment would not fix bad behaviour on the roads.
They said it may not deter some drivers "if they perceive that the likelihood of being caught is low". Experts say the key to solving the problem is tougher enforcement, but they also hope for a wider cultural change towards road safety among all users.
A quote from Dr. John in a press release states, “We need safety culture. It is time to mobilize – parents and schools could continue that momentum. Thomas Edelmann, Founder & Managing Director of RoadSafetyUAE stated: "We need to equip, educate and safeguard all road users. In addition, it added that tougher enforcement and police deterrence were necessary.
More infrastructure for pedestrians
Beyond tougher penalties, Edelmann said, more pedestrian infrastructure must be created to solve problems such as jaywalking.
“In addition to the behavioural issues, there are infrastructure deficiencies that need to be resolved, like more dedicated lanes. Furthermore, new crossings for pedestrians and micro-mobility should be established. Wherever possible, existing sidewalks should be transformed into multipurpose pathways that are clearly marked, he said.
These measures should be accompanied by stricter enforcement, by relevant authorities and security personnel in both communities and commercial and residential areas, he continued.
Technology also has a vital role to play in road safety. Motorists the world over are warned that next gen security cameras and radars have become so advanced that they could even spot motorists using a mobile phone while behind the wheel and in heavily tinted cars.
Boosting road safety
Experts inroad safety also highlighted the role of education and awareness in encouraging responsible road behaviour. Earlier, Phil Clarke, director of road safety and enforcement at 4E Road Safety and Transport Consultants, said: 'Educating drivers and all other road users about their responsibilities and the risks of poor behaviour continues to play a very important role in road safety.'
A serious penalty on its own will not solve the problem, and won't deter some drivers who think the chances of getting caught are low, he said, adding: "Car confiscation has limited effect if drivers have access to more than one car."
However, Emirati road safety expert Dr Mustafa Aldah said: "The levels that we are seeing in terms of fatalities have been very, very low the last couple of years, compared to more than 15 years ago, so we have been doing well.
While Dr Aldah — who is founder of MA-Traffic Consulting and former head of the Dubai Police traffic studies section — expressed similarities, she identified the slight increase as an alarm.
According to the MoI's open data uploaded in February, there were 384 road deaths last year, an increase of 32 cases or 9 per cent higher than 352 deaths in 2023. This is also 12pc or 41 more than the 343 recorded in 2022.
Dr Aldah re-iterated his support for the government's stance on heavy fines on careless drivers.
Offences and penalties
Below is a summary of a selection of the violations and fines set out in the Federal Decree-Law No. 14 of 2024 On Traffic Regulation, which was unveiled in October last year and came into effect on March 29 this year:
Jaywalking
It is aimed at traffic crimes and it cracks down on a variety of offenses with both jail and significant fines. Among the offending that draws increased fines is jaywalking or crossing from non-designated areas.
The fine for jaywalkers who break the law without being involved in an accident, remains at Dh400, but the fine for those caught in an accident can land them in jail and cost between Dh5,000 and Dh10,000.
Penalties will be higher for violators who cross from unmarked areas in 80 kmph and above zones. Prison for no less than three months and/or a fine of not less than Dh10,000, or one of these two penalties shall be imposed on offenders.
Drunk driving, drug driving
Apart from jaywalking, the new law also has provision of fine and penalty of maximum Dh200, information Comes to Dh200000 for violations such as driving under the influence of a narcotic substance or a psychotropic substance.
For repeat offenders, the punishment is prison and escalating fines, plus everyone who is stopped for drunk driving having their driving licence suspended or even totally revoked after a third conviction.
On first conviction, the court will send him to prison and fine him minimum Dh30,000 and suspend the driving licence for at least six months. In case of a second offence, the licence will be cancelled for a period of one year and in case of a third offence, the licence will be not only revoked but also, hefty penalties on the violator would be imposed.
Have driven when your licence has been disqualified or is non-displayed
The Jail term is up to three months and also includes those who are seen driving with a suspended licence. Either of these two penalties, also a fine of at least Dh10,000, is possible.
Driving a vehicle on UAE roads on a foreign driving license that is not on the approved list of the country will be a fine of Dh2000 to Dh10,000 for the first offence. Recurrent offences are punishable by imprisonment for at least three months, as well as a fine of Dh5,000 to Dh50,000 — or both penalties.
Driving without a valid licence
For those who drive without a licence or using a licence for another kind of vehicle, imprisonment of up to three months and a fine of Dh5,000 to Dh50,000 or one of these two penalties shall be imposed upon them.
One example is, a person cannot ride a motorcycle even if he/she has a driver's licence; instead, he/she needs to get a particular permit for riding one. The second time, the driver will be imprisoned for at least three months and fined Dh20,000 to Dh100,000, or one of these two penalties.
Death by negligence
The road offender who causes the death of a person shall be subject to detention and a fine not less than Dh50,000.
But if the offence is committed under any of the circumstances that, in accordance with section 3, constitute an aggravating circumstance, the penalty shall be imprisonment for a minimum of one year and a fine not less than Dh100,000 or one of these two penalties.
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Jumping the red light
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DUI of Alcoholic Beverages or another Narcotic or Psychotropic Substance
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New Driving Offence Penalty For Driving A Vehicle With A Suspended Or Cancelled Driving Licence
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Flooding has occurred and it is very dangerous to proceed into a valley.
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