Leaving your vehicle engine running while idle incurs Dh300 fine

Abu Dhabi: Leaving vehicles with the engine running will lead to a Dh300 fine, the Abu Dhabi Police said on Sunday, warning people that their vehicles might be stolen too.

They said motorists who leave their vehicles’ ignitions on and go to ATM machines to withdraw cash or to grocery shop to grab some stuff are watched closely and are liable to pay a Dh300 fine, in addition to standing the risk of their cars being stolen.

Colonel Mubarak Saif Al Sabousi, Director of Police Directorate of Al Ain Region, said some people even leave their children, especially toddlers inside the cars, which can lead to suffocation and possible death.

Such things happen mostly during summer when temperatures soar high, he added.

Abu Dhabi Police, which carries out awareness campaigns against such practices, hopes motorists will be more mindful when they are tempted to leave the ignition of their vehicles on while they shop, go to ATMs and even visit gas stations.