Dubai: If you think you can smoke shisha or put on make-up while driving and get away with it, think again.
Motorists eating, reading, fixing their scarf, applying make-up or smoking shisha will be fined Dh800 and slapped with 4 black points, a senior officer told Gulf News.
General Mohammad Saif Al Zafein, head of the UAE Federal Traffic Council, said the new addition to the revised traffic law is for people who get distracted on the roads indulging in activities other than the use of their mobile phone while driving.
He said that recently the police witnessed people smoking shisha inside their vehicles while driving.
“We stopped motorists who were smoking shisha inside their vehicle. It was not a e-cigarette but a proper shisha with charcoal. Such behaviour while driving is dangerous and irresponsible. The new law added a penalty for motorists who get distracted by activities such as shisha, reading, eating or fixing their scarf [while driving],” Gen. Al Zafein told Gulf News.
Starting July 1, the police will be authorised to fine motorists for such offences, he said.
“Female motorists will be fined for putting on make-up while driving. Using a selfie stick while driving will also be fined as will any activity that causes distraction. Motorists need to focus on the roads while driving,” he added.
The fine for using a mobile phone while driving has been increased to Dh800 as compared to the earlier fine of Dh200 and 4 black points.
Last year, Dubai Police recorded 59,891 cases of people using their phones while driving, an increase from 49,643 in 2015. In 2014, police recorded 45,499 such offences, while in 2013, 35,734 such cases were recorded.
Gen. Al Zafein also said that the penalty for jumping a traffic signal has been increased to Dh1,000 and the confiscation of the car for 30 days as against the earlier fine of Dh800. The driver will also be docked 12 black points as against the 8 black points earlier.
“Jumping a red signal is a dangerous offence and it can cause deadly accidents. The tougher punishment will reduce number of offenders,” Gen. Al Zafein added.
According to official statistics, around 120 accidents were caused by motorists jumping the red light last year, killing two people and injuring 144.
Overall road fatalities in Dubai increased to 198 in 2016, compared to 166 in 2015.
Officially signed by Lieutenant General Shaikh Saif Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, the new regulations cover multiple violations and the penalties that include heavy fines, black points and impounding of vehicles and will come into effect from July 1 this year.
According to a draft law on traffic regulations and penalties approved by the Ministry of Interior earlier this month, all passengers in a car will be required to wear seat belts, failing which the driver of the vehicle will be fined Dh400 and slapped four black points.
The new regulations covering a comprehensive range of traffic discipline and violations will be implemented across the country following their publication in the UAE Gazette.
Reckless driving will incur a fine of Dh2,000, 23 black points besides impounding of the vehicle for a period of 60 days. The same punishment and fine will be applied to drivers who endanger the lives of others. Reckless driving rules will also apply to buggy drivers, who will receive a Dh3,000 fine and have their buggy impounded for three months. Drivers caught under the influence of alcohol or drugs will have their licence suspended for one year, starting from the day of the verdict.
Violations and penalties:
Driving at 80km/h over the speed limit: Dh3,000 fine, 23 black points, and car impounded for 60 days.
Lack of child safety seat for children up to four years of age: Dh400 fine and four black points.
Driving without a licence plate: Dh3,000 fine, three black points, and vehicle impounded for three months.
Stopping cars on the road and blocking traffic: Dh1,000 fine.
Drivers who litter on the road: Dh1,000 fine and six black points.
