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Abu Dhabi Police recently issued a traffic safety video on its social media handles advising motorists to respect lane discipline. In the video, motorists were also warned of a fine of Dh400 if they take a left turn when they are on the middle lane of an intersection.
For residents living in Abu Dhabi or visiting the Emirate, it is crucial to follow the necessary traffic safety rules
Here is a guide for motorists to avoid common traffic violations and fines associated with them.
Road and traffic fines in Abu Dhabi
These traffic violations are in accordance with the UAE Traffic Law, Ministerial Resolution No. (178) for the year 2017 on Rules and Procedures of Traffic Control as well as Law No. 5 for 2020 on impoundment of vehicles in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.
1. Up to Dh50,000 for releasing an impounded car
A car can be impounded by the police in case a driver jumps a red light, recklessly drives on the road, is involved in unauthorised road racing, and deliberately collides into a police car.
Abu Dhabi police also introduced Law No. 5 for 2020 on the impoundment of vehicles in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi according to which reckless drivers will have to pay fines up to Dh50,000 in order to get their cars released from the police.
Here are the case scenarios when a car can be impounded:
- When a driver jumps a red light,
- When a driver is dangerous or reckless on the road,
- When a driver drives a vehicle with an obscured, concealed or distorted licence plate,
- When a driver is involved in unauthorised road racing; and
- When a driver deliberately collides into a police car.
2. Not abiding by lane discipline - Dh400 fine
Abu Dhabi Police will impose a fine of Dh400 on motorists who do not comply with the road lanes and intersection crossings. The fine is applicable for motorists failing to go straight at an intersection while being in a lane that is not meant for left turns.
3. Overtaking from the right
A fine of Dh600 and six traffic black points are applicable for motorists who overtake another car from the right. Motorists are mandated to use the left lane, which is also referred to as the overtaking lane, to overtake a car in front of them.
4. Jumping a red light
Motorists jumping the red light will be fined Dh1,000, and 12 traffic black points for jumping the red light. Furthermore, the vehicle will be impounded for 30 days and in order to release the vehicle, they will be required to pay Dh5,000. Vehicles not released within three months from impoundment will be auctioned off.
According to records, Abu Dhabi penalised a total of 2,850 motorists for jumping the red light in February 2021.
5. Damaging a police car while driving
If a motorist collides with a police vehicle or damages it, they will be required to pay for the damages inflicted and their vehicle will be impounded. The violator will be then required to pay Dh5,000 to release the vehicle.
6. Allowing children below 10 years to sit in the front seat of a vehicle
Motorists with children under the age of 10 sitting in the front seat of the vehicle will be fined for Dh400. Furthermore, their vehicle will be impounded and they will have to pay Dh5,000 to release it within three months.
7. Speeding fines in Abu Dhabi
In case of an accident due to speeding, sudden swerving, failing to maintain sufficient distance, or failing to follow crossing pedestrians, the Police will impound the vehicle and the motorist will have to pay Dh5,000 to get it released.
- Vehicles exceeding the maximum speed limit by more than 80 km/hour will be fined Dh3,000 and required black points.
- Vehicles exceeding the maximum speed limit by more than 60 km/hour will be fined Dh2,000 and black points.
- Vehicles exceeding the maximum speed limit by no more than 60 km/hour will be fined Dh1,500 and black points.
- Vehicles exceeding the maximum speed limit by no more than 50 km/hour will be fined Dh1,000.
- Vehicles exceeding the maximum speed limit by no more than 40 km/hour will be fined Dh700
- Vehicles exceeding the maximum speed limit by no more than 30 km/hour will be fined Dh600
- Vehicles exceeding the maximum speed limit by no more than 20 km/hour will be fined Dh300
Notably, Abu Dhabi has removed the 'grace speed limit' since 2018 which allowed motorists to drive 10km/h or 20km/h above the designated speed limit mentioned on road signs. As per latest protocols, motorists going over the designated speed limit in any way will face a penalty based on the list of fines.
8. Tailgating
Tailgating will invite a fine of Dh400 fine and four black points. Furthermore, the vehicle will be impounded. Earlier, Abu Dhabi Police warned motorists against disturbing vehicles in front of them by getting within close distance or by flashing headlights, stating that these actions distract the driver in front of them and can increase the risk fo traffic accidents.
9. Not giving way to pedestrians
On April 12, 2022, Abu Dhabi Police warned motorists to ensure adequate priority to pedestrians in designated pedestrian crossings. Failing to do so will result in a fine of Dh500 and six traffic points.
10. Noisy vehicles and illegal modifications to car engine
Noisy vehicles disturb several road users. Motorists seen with illegal modifications to their vehicle engine to produce a loud noise will be fined Dh2,000 and 12 black points.
Furthermore, making unnecessary changes to the vehicle’s engine or chassis without a licence is in violation of the traffic rules and the police can impound the vehicle. In order to release the vehicle, the owner will be required to pay Dh10,000 within three months.
11. Driving without a licence
This violation will land you with a Dh5,000 fine as well as a possible sentence of three months’ imprisonment. According to Article 51 of the Federal Traffic Law, a motorist, “Shall be sentenced to detention for a term not exceeding three months and/or to a minimum fine of Dh5,000, whoever drives a vehicle on the road without a driver’s licence or with a licence not allowing him to drive that type of vehicle.”
12. Littering on the road while driving
Throwing out a can of soda or a packet of chips from a vehicle on the road will invite a fine of Dh1,000 along with six black points. The motorist could also face additional municipal fines for littering in public places.
13. Driving with an expired vehicle registration
If a motorist is driving a car with expired vehicle registration, the Police will impose a fine of Dh500 and four black points. Furthermore, the vehicle could be impounded.
14. Not wearing a seat belt
Motorists failing to wear their seat belt while driving will be fined Dh400 and four black points.
15. Fine for using a mobile phone while driving
Motorists busy scrolling through their phones while driving will be fined Dh800 and four black points. The same penalty will apply for other instances of distracted driving.
16. Sudden deviation of the vehicle
Driver will be fined Dh1,000 for swerving the vehicle suddenly along with four black traffic points. At the same time, their vehicle will be impounded and they will have to pay Dh5,000 to get it released. If all fines are not paid within three months, the vehicle will be auctioned off.
17. Fine for blocking number plate
Blocking the car number plate can result in a fine of Dh400. According to Abu Dhabi police, more than 5,000 people were fined for blocking their licence plate from view in the first six months of 2021.
Furthermore, driving a vehicle without a number plate will invite strict penalties, including a fine of Dh3,000, 23 black points and impoundment of the vehicle for 90 days.
18. Failure to stop for school buses
Motorists are required to ensure the safety of children on UAE roads, Failing to stop when school buses raise the ‘Stop’ sign for students leaving and entering buses will be fined Dh1,000 and 10 traffic black points.