100% Dubai traffic fine discount scheme 'a blessing for UAE residents'

According to a brief release issued, the Dubai Police reminded motorists that Thursday was the last day to avail of the year-long discount scheme that offered up to 100 per cent waiver on traffic fines.

The scheme was launched on February 7, 2019, a first-of-its-type initiative, according to which motorists who did not commit any violations for three months could get a 25 per cent discount on their fines.

Furthermore, no violations for six months would entitle them to a 50 per cent discount. Keep driving well for nine months and you could get a 75 per cent discount and 100 per cent discount if you didn't commit any violation in a year.

Adnan Salman, a Dubai resident said the scheme saved him Dh3,000 with the 100 per cent discount. He said: "I had my renewal in December 2019 and had several speeding tickets. When I checked the balance this weekend, except for a few parking and one Salik fine, all the fines issued by the Dubai Police had been discounted by 75 per cent. It is a very big saving for my family."

Mohammed Faisal, a Sharjah resident with a Dubai-registered vehicle, said: "I had one fine of Dh400 which I incurred in August 2019. I got the fine for not renewing my registration on time. When I checked my fines on Wednesday, the amount had been deducted to Dh300. I hope it will be extended to next year as well."

He added: "During renewal, the staff at the RTA were kind enough to inform me that I do not have to pay it right now."

For many drivers, this offer is also an incentive to drive carefully. Faisal added: "I obviously do not want to pile on the fines, so I try and be very careful when I drive."

Scheme may get extended for another year

The Dubai Police may extend the one-year traffic fine discount scheme if the final results are encouraging. This was announced by Major-General Abdullah Khalifa Al Marri, Commander-in-Chief of the Dubai Police, at an open meeting recently organised by the force.