How UAE residents feel about stricter traffic rules

Fine for using mobile phones while driving has been increased to Dh800. Additionally, 4 black points will be slapped against the driver.

Residents in the UAE have reacted positively to the strict new fines and penalties relating to the amended federal traffic law, which came into effect this weekend.
Ayman Zain, a 24-year-old Sudanese expatriate, welcomed all 17 of the new amendments, but said he "especially supports" the Dh800 fine for using a mobile device while behind the wheel.
"I think it's a good move since there are a lot of accidents that happen from holding the phone while driving. Implementing strict fines to ban that is never too much. Personally, I think I would get too distracted from the road if I kept looking at my phone," he said.
A driver himself, Zain said he tries to exercise extra caution when he is behind the wheel. And hopefully, these new penalties will encourage others to do the same.
"I don't really use my phone much on the road unless I'm using my GPS to get to where I want to go. For that I have a car phone holder that I use instead of holding my phone with one hand and driving with the other."
For those caught using their phone behind the wheel, four black points will also be added to their licence, in addition to the Dh800 fine. Police authorities across the country have said the main purpose of the amended traffic law is to make roads safer - not to make more money from motorists.
Brendan Lopez, a 24-year-old Portuguese expat in Dubai, also supported the fine for using a phone while driving. He said he always makes sure to put his phone away when he gets in the car.
"A rise in the fine amount shouldn't be the reason for you to be more careful. Whether it is Dh400 or Dh800, you shouldn't be using a phone while driving," he said.
Last week, the Sharjah Police announced that they would be deploying more than 90 patrols across the five most dangerous roads in the emirate from Saturday.
However, some residents did call the new fines a "big challenge". Egyptian resident Sherif Al Wakeel said many motorists will need time to get used to the new rules.
Though the new rules were first announced in March, "changing bad habits" will take a lot of time, he said.
Making the shift to child seats is the most difficult one, he said.
"My son is small in size, but he refused to sit in a child seat. It will take some time to get accustomed to the new rules."
But in the long run, he said it will pay off. "The new rules will hopefully curb road accidents and casualties."
Abu Dhabi Police take to roads on day one
On Saturday, the traffic and patrols directorate of the Abu Dhabi Police began implementing the amended executive regulations of the federal traffic law.
Brigadier Khalifa Al Khaili, director of the directorate, said the police are keen to implement the new rules and procedures. The new rules will also help the police realise their vision of achieving zero road deaths by 2030, he added.
Al Khaili said that implementing the rules focus primarily on improving driver awareness and safety. He noted that penalising an erranr motorist is not prioritised over the safety of drivers, passengers, and pedestrians.
reporters@khaleejtimes.com