Abu Dhabi: Tailgaters beware! Dh5,000 fine for releasing impounded vehicle

Dubai: Not leaving a safe distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you won’t just land you with a heavy fine, along with your vehicle being impounded, it can also cause serious accidents that cause loss of life or physical injuries.

Abu Dhabi Police posted an awareness message on their official social media accounts on February 4, stating that the police authority had recorded 35,073 tailgating violations in 2020.

The authority also warned motorists of the penalties associated with the offence.

Law No. 5 of 2020 on impoundment of vehicles in the emirate of Abu Dhabi states that causing an accident due to tailgating leads to a fine of Dh400 fine and four black points.

The fee for the release of impounded vehicle is Dh5,000.

“A vehicle remains impounded until fees are paid. It will be auctioned after a maximum of three months if it has not been claimed by the owner,” the authority added.

The authority said that motorists harassing vehicles in front of them, by approaching them at a close distance and forcing them to vacate the lane by flashing their headlights, leads to distracting the focus of the driver in front of them and doubles the risk of serious traffic accidents.

Additional precautions during fog, rainstorm

The authority also urged the need to take the necessary preventive measures in changing weather conditions, by leaving more safe distance between vehicles, especially during low visibility conditions like fog and rain, and when roads are slippery, as it can lead to vehicles skidding on the road.

Abu Dhabi implements reduced road speed limits during low visibility conditions. However, regardless of where you are in the UAE, it is important to exercise caution when driving in the rain or fog.