114 fined for using mobiles while driving

Dubai: Police have issued more than 100 fines to motorists for talking on handheld mobile phones last month.

Brigadier Mohammad Saif Al Zafein, Director of Dubai Police's Traffic Department, said ministerial decision No 127 for 2008 regarding traffic control procedures, which bans the use of handheld mobile phones while driving. Offenders are fined Dh200 and get four black points. The traffic department issued 114 fines to motorists last month.

Brigadier Al Zafein warned motorists against speaking on handheld mobile phones because of the dangers involved. He said the practice is one of the main reasons behind traffic accidents because motorists get distracted.

He called on motorists to pull over on the right side of the road and stop the engine when making a call. He also called on them to use headsets while making calls from their mobile phone.