Authorities in the UAE urged drivers to be cautious during the recent severe rains, stressing the severity of the penalties for traffic violations that put lives in danger, especially in wet weather.
The UAE's National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) documented varying degrees of rainfall across the nation, leading to wet road conditions and prompting drivers to exercise heightened vigilance across the Emirates. Earlier in May, the Ministry of Interior unveiled stringent penalties encompassing ten weather-associated traffic violations, with fines reaching up to Dh2,000, accompanied by 23 black points, and a two-month vehicle confiscation period.
In response to the recent downpours, UAE police authorities disseminated essential guidelines for driving in inclement weather. These directives encompassed:
- Inspecting vehicle tires for optimal condition prior to commencing journeys
- Ensuring functional windshield wipers
- Reducing speed when navigating through puddles
- Employing headlights during daylight hours for enhanced visibility
- Abstaining from the use of hazard lights while driving
- Maintaining safe distances between vehicles
- Adhering to designated speed limits and information displayed on roadside boards
- Eliminating distractions while driving
- Avoid traveling through valleys.
Simultaneously, authorities outlined ten weather-linked traffic violations and their corresponding fines:
- Capturing photos or videos of rain or fog while driving will incur a Dh800 fine and four black points.
- Engaging in dangerous driving activities results in a Dh2,000 fine, 23 black points, and a 60-day vehicle confiscation period.
- Activating hazard lights while driving is punishable by a Dh500 fine and four black points.
- Operating vehicles in fog without lights attracts a Dh500 fine and four black points.
- Disregarding official instructions to avoid driving in fog will result in a Dh500 fine and four black points.
- Refusing to comply with directives issued by law enforcement personnel resulted in a Dh400 fine and four black points.
- Evading instructions to stop when signaled by a police officer resulted in DH800 fine and 12 black points.
- Congregating near valleys, flooded areas, and dams during inclement weather is subject to a Dh1,000 fine and six black points.
- Entering flooded valleys, regardless of the peril involved, results in a Dh2,000 fine, 23 black points, and a 60-day vehicle confiscation period.
- Impeding authorities' efforts to regulate traffic during emergencies, crises, and rains, resulting in a Dh1,000 fine, four black points, and a 60-day vehicle confiscation period.
