What not to do when driving on Dubai roads

Dubai - Vehicles will be seized if fine exceeds Dh6,000; hefty fines for racing, modifying engines.

Published: Tue 25 Aug 2015, 12:00 AM

Updated: Tue 25 Aug 2015, 7:16 PM

By
Amira Agarib

A new law in Dubai authorises the police to confiscate vehicles of drivers participating in street racing without obtaining prior permission. Motorcycles that are driven on road pavements that are meant only for pedestrians will also be confiscated.
Vehicles that have been impounded for racing on roads are required to pay a release amount of Dh100,000, while bikes seized for being driven on pavements need a release amount of Dh50,000, according to the decree.
A new decree regarding the seizure of vehicles in Dubai has been issued by His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. Decree No. (29) of 2015 aims at protecting life, property, ensuring traffic safety and reducing accidents.
The decree specifies the administrative and obligatory confiscation of vehicles.
The decree authorises the Commander in Chief of the Dubai Police, or his representative, based on the traffic control report, to confiscate the vehicle of any erring motorist according to the situations described in Annex Table of the decree. The confiscation period shall not exceed the specified time.
The police is also authorised to confiscate any vehicle that has been modified in a way that can increase its speed limits.

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Also if the value of traffic fines issued against the vehicle exceeds Dh6,000 or if it is being driven with an car registration that has expired more than three months ago, then the police can seize the vehicle. The vehicle can also be confiscated if the driver is caught driving recklessly endangering the lives of other road users or if he speeds or tries to flee when asked to stop by the police.
Police can sell seized vehicles

Vehicles will be seized if fine exceeds Dh6,000

The decree gives the power to the Dubai Police to sell off the confiscated vehicle in an auction if the driver does not pay the fines even after three months from the date confiscation. This is also stipulated in the Law No. 23 of 2015 regarding the disposition of seized vehicles in the Emirate of Dubai.
According to the decree, the driver of a heavy vehicle (who is not UAE national) will be deported if he is caught jumping a red signal. Major-General Khamis Mattar Al Mazeina, Commander in chief of the Dubai Police, praised the new law that he said reflects the keenness of Shaikh Mohammed in ensuring the safety of road users in Dubai.
amira@khaleejtimes.com