Dubai: Taking your eyes off the road to take a photo, even for two seconds, is a traffic offence that will lead to a fine and black points.
The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in Dubai has warned motorists about the dangers of taking photos, including selfies when driving, and stated offenders will be slapped with a Dh800 fine and four black points.
“Reaction times for drivers using a phone to take pictures are around 50 per cent slower than normal undistracted driving,” the RTA said.
“A driver taking a selfie or a photo for approximately two seconds is like driving the length of nearly half a football field. Remember, using a hand-held mobile phone while driving is a traffic violation punishable by Dh800 fine and four black points,” the authority added.
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.
