Car rent firms get police protection in traffic fines

UAE traffic authorities have moved to protect car rent companies operating in the country against soaring traffic fine defaults by clients, by asking the Central Bank to extend card payment periods.

But the country's top traffic police official stressed that car rent firms must also comply with existing regulations and ensure all customers submit card details to them.

Major General Mohammed Al Zafin, Chairman of the Federal Traffic Council and Dubai's Assistant Police Commander-in Chief for Operations, said the council discussed the plight of car rent firms this week following reports of defaults by clients on traffic fine payment.

"We have decided to contact the Central Bank so it will agree on extending the period for withdrawing funds from the client's visa card from two weeks to 45 days, to ensure all traffic offences committed by the client have been received by the car rent company,” Zafin said, quoted by local newspapers.

Zafin said major car rent firms in the UAE have not reported such problems as they comply with rules and enforce “international standards.”

“Other companies are facing such problems because they do not take the necessary measures to protect themselves as they rush to get more customers.
"We call on these companies not to rent a car to customers unless they get their credit card details.”

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