New Sharjah traffic fine discounts: Police release full list of 40 offenses excluded
New rules offer 35% off fines if paid in 60 days, 25% in a year — 40 violations excluded.
Sharjah: The emirate of Sharjah has launched a new traffic fine discount system that encourages prompt payment — but enforces zero tolerance for dangerous driving.
Under the revised rules, motorists can receive a 35% discount if fines are paid within 60 days of the violation, or a 25% discount if paid within one year. However, 40 serious traffic violations are excluded from this benefit.
The list was compiled by the Traffic and Patrols Department following a comprehensive analysis that identified these violations as major contributors to road accidents and fatalities in the emirate.
This decision marks a shift in Sharjah’s traffic policy — from offering financial incentives to enforcing greater accountability and prioritising road safety.
Sharjah Police provided Gulf News with the full list of violations that are excluded from the discount scheme.
No discount for the following violations:
Exceeding maximum speed limit by more than 60 km/h.
Exceeding the maximum speed limit by more than 80 km/h
Driving under the influence of alcohol
Causing the death of others
Causing a serious accident or injuries
Jumping a red signal by a light vehicle
Jumping a red signal by a heavy vehicle
Sudden swerving
Running away from a traffic policeman
Failure to maintain a safe distance
Transporting passengers illegally
Driving under the influence of narcotics, psychotropic, or similar substances
Distracted driving
Driving a noisy vehicle
Overtaking from a prohibited place (by trucks)
School bus driver failing to activate the "Stop" sign or abide by traffic rules
Failure to stop when the school bus "Stop" sign is activated
Not giving way to emergency, police, or public service vehicles or official convoys
Transporting flammable or hazardous materials without permission
A. Driving in a way that endangers the driver’s life or others
B. Driving in a way that damages public or private propertyOvertaking on the hard shoulder
Heavy vehicle driver causing their vehicle or another to overturn
Improperly loading a heavy vehicle in a way that endangers others
Loading a heavy vehicle in a way that damages the road
Entry of prohibited heavy vehicles
Falling or leaking of a heavy vehicle’s load
Operating industrial, construction, or mechanical vehicles and tractors without proper licensing
Dangerous overtaking
Using a handheld mobile phone while driving
Jumping a red signal by a motorcycle
Light vehicle driver failing to stop after causing a minor accident
Heavy vehicle driver failing to stop after causing a minor accident
Parking in front of fire hydrants
Parking in spaces designated for people with special needs
Stopping on the road without reason
Exceeding the permitted level of window tinting
Tinting a vehicle that is not permitted to be tinted
Rubbernecking or crowding at accident scenes
Pedestrians failing to obey traffic signals
Pedestrians crossing from undesignated areas
(Source: Sharjah Police)
“These aren’t just traffic mistakes — they’re behaviours that cost lives,” said Colonel Abdulrahman Mohammed Khater, Deputy Director of the Security Media Department at Sharjah Police, speaking to Gulf News.
Sharjah’s new traffic fine discount: How it works
On July 8, the Sharjah Executive Council approved the new framework for applying traffic fine discounts. The aim is to encourage faster payments while enhancing road safety.
Motorists are now eligible for:
35% discount on the total fine if paid within 60 days of the violation. This also applies to vehicle impoundment periods, release fees, and late payment penalties.
25% discount if paid after 60 days but within one year. This applies only to the fine amount (not to impound or release charges).
“This is a smarter system,” said Colonel Khater. “It motivates drivers to pay quickly, take responsibility, and think twice before breaking the rules.”
Even pedestrians face penalties
In a notable move, pedestrians are also held accountable. Violations such as jaywalking or ignoring pedestrian signals can now result in fines, tracked through Emirates ID numbers.
“There are now plainclothes and uniformed patrols across the emirate monitoring both drivers and pedestrians,” Colonel Khater revealed. “Everyone has a role in road safety.”
This initiative is part of a broader collaboration with the Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority, which includes:
Upgrading pedestrian crossings
Installing improved signage
Adding traffic signals in high-traffic areas
More than just money — it’s about safety
Colonel Khater stressed that the goal isn’t merely to collect fines or offer discounts — it’s to save lives.
“We’ve always encouraged good behaviour,” he said. “But this decision is different. It’s more organised, more effective, and sends a stronger message: obey the rules or face the consequences.”
The Traffic and Patrols Department found that many recent accidents involved violations that previously qualified for discounts. By removing these from eligibility, authorities hope to deter reckless behaviour.
“Excluding these from the discount system is meant to act as a strong deterrent against dangerous driving habits that often lead to road accidents,” Colonel Khater added.
Advice to drivers
“Don’t wait,” Colonel Khater advised. “Settle your fines within 60 days to get the discount. But more importantly, drive safely. Be responsible. Because what really matters isn’t fewer fines — it’s safer roads for everyone.”
Key takeaways:
35% discount on fines (including impound and related fees) if paid within 60 days
25% discount on fines only (excluding impound/release charges) if paid within one year
No discounts on 40 major violations, including truck offenses, mobile phone use, and pedestrian endangerment
Pedestrians can be fined via Emirates ID
Increased patrols monitoring both drivers and pedestrians across Sharjah
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