Hundreds fined in UAE for not giving way to emergency vehicles

UAE, fine, traffic fime, uae law, emergency vehicles

Abu Dhabi - The fine for this violation had been tripled last year to Dh3,000, with a month-long confiscation of the vehicle.

Published: Sun 23 Aug 2020, 12:00 AM

Updated: Mon 24 Aug 2020, 9:47 PM

By
Ismail Sebugwaawo

More than 400 motorists were fined on the UAE roads last year for failing to give way to ambulances and other emergency vehicles. Figures released by the Ministry of Interior (MoI) showed that in 2019, traffic and patrol departments across the country recorded 424 violations.
The fine for this violation had been tripled last year to Dh3,000, with a month-long confiscation of the vehicle. Previously, the fine was Dh1,000, a one-month impoundment of the vehicle and six black points.

Authorities said the practice of failing to give way to emergency vehicles like ambulances, fire trucks and police patrols leads to delays in reaching accident or fire scenes. "Such drivers put people's lives in danger," said authorities.
Officials said drivers should pull over to the side of the road to let ambulances pass.

The ministry has conducted several campaigns to raise awareness among drivers about the importance of giving way. "We have noticed that some motorists do not give way to official cars, emergency and civil defence vehicles and ambulances, even when they hear the sirens or see the vehicles' flashing lights."

Officers also warned motorists against driving on the road shoulder, stressing that it was designated for emergency vehicles only.

ismail@khaleejtimes.com