Abu Dhabi announces new traffic fines, impounding rules

UAE - Colliding with a police vehicle. illegal road racing, and driving without a valid plate number could now get your car impounded in Abu Dhabi, according to a new traffic law that took effect on Wednesday. These major violations also carry penalties of up to Dh50,000.

Vehicles could also be seized for offences like allowing children below 10 to sit in front; causing an accident because of overspeeding, swerving and tailgating; and failing to give priority to pedestrians. Fines were set at Dh5,000 for these violations.
Racking up more than Dh7,000 in traffic fines is another cause of impoundment, under the new traffic law.

The Abu Dhabi Police issued the new decision after conducting comprehensive studies, aiming to address irresponsible behaviour among drivers and keep roads safer for all, Brig Suhail Saeed Al Khaili, director of the Central Operations Sector said at a Press briefing on Thursday.

Auctions shall be held for impounded vehicles that would remain unclaimed after three months, the authorities explained. If the value of the vehicle is less than the fines due, the remaining balance will be added to the offender's traffic file and the violation will not be cancelled.

"The new decision regarding the impoundment of vehicles in the Abu Dhabi is not a federal one and only applies to Abu Dhabi emirate. The decision does not contradict the federal traffic law," Brig Al Khaili clarified.

Other violations

Reckless driving and beating the red light are other violations that could get vehicles impounded. Both carry a fine of Dh50,000. Jumping the red light, however, also comes with a six-month suspension of the driver's licence.
Seized vehicles could be released only after all penalties are settled at the end of the impounding period.

Dangerous driving resulted in 66 deaths in 2019

Major traffic violations - reckless driving, road racing, and jumping red lights - have caused 894 accidents last year, resulting in the death of 66 people, said Brig Suhail Saeed Al Khaili, director of the Central Operations Sector at the Abu Dhabi Police.
A total of 716 less severe accidents and 543 minor ones were also attributed to these offences.

Around 35.5 per cent of all road fatalities in 2019 and nearly half of all severe injuries were all caused by reckless driving behaviour, he added.