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19 March 2024

Abu Dhabi cancels 50% traffic fine discount

Traffic jam along Salam street above the Salam tunnel in Abu Dhabi. (Photo by Erik Arazas)

Published
By Bindu Rai

In a severe crackdown on errant motorists in Abu Dhabi, the Ministry of Interior has announced its 50 per cent discount on traffic fines will end as of August 1

Abu Dhabi Police further stated this decision was taken to improve the road safety standards in the emirate.

According to figures released by MOI earlier this year, the emirate’s roads recorded 77 traffic related deaths in the first three months of 2016; up from the 54 deaths that occurred over the same period last year.

Meanwhile, a further six people were killed across 21 road accidents in the first week of the fasting month of Ramadan in Abu Dhabi, the police revealed earlier.

Traffic and Patrols Directorate at Abu Dhabi Police further stated it had arrested 1,837 drivers on the its roads between January and April of this year, for driving their vehicles at dangerous speeds exceeding 200 kmph.

While, during Ramadan, committed nearly 21,590 offences on the roads, including reckless driving, failure to use the seat belt, jumping the red lights, lack of concentration and speeding.

Motorists in Abu Dhabi have been taking advantage of a discount on traffic fines for the past five years, although the black points system remains in place.

Prepare to pay…

According to Abu Dhabi Police’s official website, the system includes a Dh2,000 fine levied for driving dangerously or racing or even reckless driving, with an additional 12 black points and the vehicle confiscated for 30 days.

Drivers exceeding the maximum speed limit by more than 60kmph or driving in a way that endangers civilians will now see offenders pay Dh1,000, incur 12 black points and have their vehicle confiscated for 30 days.

If your driving results in the death of another, the matter will be decided by the courts, but the driver will still incur 12 black points and have the vehicle confiscated for 30 days.

Meanwhile, jumping a red light will see the offender incur a Dh800 fine, with eight black points and vehicle impounded for 15 days.