Dubai: Taking your eyes off the road to take a photo, even for two seconds, is a traffic offence that will ultimately lead to a fine and black points.
The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in Dubai has warned motorists about the dangers of taking a selfie when driving, and stated that the offenders will be slapped with a Dh800 fine and four black points.
Selfies are self-portrait photographs usually taken with a hand-held mobile phone or supported by a selfie stick.
“Reaction times for drivers using a phone are around 50 per cent slower than normal undistracted driving,” said the RTA.
“A driver taking a selfie or a photo for approximately two seconds is like driving the length for nearly half a football field. Remember, using a hand-held mobile phone while driving is a traffic violation punishable by Dh800 and four black points,” added the road authority.
The cautionary message was issued as part of the RTA’s efforts to spread a safe driving culture that comes at a time when the UAE is witnessing unstable weather, which may tempt motorists to take photos of the rain.
Road safety experts also warned that using a mobile phone for calls or to send text messages while driving can delay a driver’s response and increase the possibility of an accident by 280 per cent.
