Ajman: Drivers fleeing after causing an accident may be slapped with criminal charges, and even face jail time, an official said.
On the flipside, motorists who do not flee the scene of an accident may get a reduced penalty, Lt Col Saif Abdullah Al Falasi, deputy director of Traffic and Patrol Department at Ajman Police, said.
“If you have a collision with another car, regardless of intensity or apparent fault, you are required by law to stop. Driving away from the scene of a collision is illegal, and failure to stop after an accident will result in a Dh500 fine for light vehicle and Dh1,000 for heavy vehicle, eight black points, and the confiscation of your vehicle for seven days.
The charges include running away from an accident site and posing a threat to safety of other drivers.
If you have caused serious injury, then your punishment will be decided by courts.
“Running away from an accident site backfires on those who cause the accident,” Lt Col Al Falasi said.
According to the traffic law, a driver who runs away after causing injuries might faces one month to three years in jail and/or a fine varying between Dh1,000 and Dh20,000.
Ajman Police have launched an awareness campaign to educate motorists on the importance of staying at the accident site. The police will distribute brochures to motorists in three languages.
