UAE | Traffic and Transport

Rash drivers get hefty fines as tough law takes effect

A reckless motorist caught drink-driving in the early hours of March 1 has become the first person to be sentenced in Dubai under the updated traffic law, which came into force the day he was caught.

  • By Bassam Za'za', Senior Reporter
  • Published: 00:43 March 24, 2008
  • Gulf News

Dubai: A reckless motorist caught drink-driving in the early hours of March 1 has become the first person to be sentenced in Dubai under the updated traffic law, which came into force the day he was caught.

The Dubai Traffic Court of First Instance gave the 34-year-old Emirati motorist a hefty Dh20,000 fine for reckless and drunk driving and jumping a red light.

The same court fined a 30-year-old female flight attendant from former Yugoslavia Dh10,000 for driving her car under the influence of liquor.

A similar fine (Dh10,000) was given to a 50-year-old Pakistani driver who was also found guilty of jumping a red signal when he drove his car inattentively and under the influence of alcohol.

"These rulings are considered the first amongst others verdicts to be handed down by the Traffic Court in Dubai since the updated traffic law came into effect as of March 1. We will be appealing these rulings to the Dubai Court of Appeal and ask for the implementation of the toughest punishments applicable under the newly revised law," Salah Bu Farousha, the Head of Dubai's Traffic Public Prosecution told Gulf News on Sunday.

The newly-amended Federal Law No. 12 (2007) came into effect on March 1 at midnight and at 4am the 34-year-old driver crashed into another vehicle after he jumped a red light under the influence of alcohol.

The court seized his driving licence for three months. He was also fined Dh500 for tinting his car windows 50 per cent. He confessed to the charges and asked for leniency.

Have your say
Have you noticed a decline in traffic violations owing to stricter traffic laws? What do you think are the other violations that need attention? Tell us at letter2editor@gulfnews.com or fill in the form below to send your comments.


Your comments


I feel it is easier to drive late at night after police became stricter on drink driving.
Biji
Dubai,UAE
Posted: March 24, 2008, 11:33

I still feel there is a need for more presence of police on the road as there are a lot of inconsiderate drivers who use their phones while driving.
Grace
Dubai,UAE
Posted: March 24, 2008, 10:28

I think it is good that new, strict rules are coming in force for careless drivers.
Rabbani
Dubai,UAE
Posted: March 24, 2008, 09:51

I think one of the violations that also needs attention is those drivers who are using their mobiles while driving. Being in Dubai for almost three years I have noticed that many drivers are violating this rule and it must be one the highest reasons of car accidents here.
Dave
Dubai,UAE
Posted: March 24, 2008, 09:49

Reckless driving, speeding, use of mobile phones and disrespect to pedestrians on zebra crossings are common offences contributing to accidents.
SJ
Dubai,UAE
Posted: March 24, 2008, 09:48

It is a very good decision from the authorities. Mostly they have to fine drunk drivers and reckless drivers. Nowadays the police department makes more patrols and checks. I hope that it will decrease the accidents. Best wishes to Dubai Police.
Firos
Dubai,UAE
Posted: March 24, 2008, 09:32

If you check any of the parking lots in the UAE, you will find cars parked in ways that make it difficult for others parking and passing. There should be heavy fines for improper parking and for taxis parking in residential areas.
Shihab
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: March 24, 2008, 09:08

Yes, as soon as the new traffic fines have been implemented, especially with regards to the speeding cases, it has been very noticeable that almost all of the drivers are driving according to the speed limit. It's good.
David
Dubai,UAE
Posted: March 24, 2008, 08:56

This is absolutely the way it should be, however, I think such fines should be considered with alternative penalties such as a community service or charity work or donations, not additional money to the traffic department. Further, the new amended Federal Law should consider the tolerance level of the drivers and they should be fined accordingly.
Ryan
Dubai,UAE
Posted: March 24, 2008, 08:53

Frankly speaking, I feel that the new rules are being enforced only when the roads are almost empty. Every morning while driving in front of Airport Free Zone through the airport tunnel to Rashidiya, I see lots of offences and not a single person being fined. To control such a huge volume of traffic in Dubai, there should be more police officers on the roads.
Mathew
Dubai,UAE
Posted: March 24, 2008, 08:22

Does the government give fines only and no imprisonment/deportation? This should be clear so everybody will know what will be the consequences they will receive once caught driving under the influence of alcohol.
Kiko
Dubai,UAE
Posted: March 24, 2008, 08:00

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