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Hi Dubai
02-04-2025
- Automotive
- Hi Dubai
UAE's New Traffic Laws Aim to Curb Road Safety Violations, Experts Urge More Than Just Penalties
As the long Eid Al Fitr holidays come to a close, residents are returning to their daily routines, and with it, traffic congestion is making its annual resurgence. However, the roads now come with a new set of rules and stricter penalties following the enactment of updated federal traffic laws on March 29. These changes include severe fines and imprisonment for serious violations, with penalties reaching up to Dh200,000. While these changes have been largely welcomed by road safety experts, many caution that harsher penalties alone may not be sufficient to fully curb reckless driving behaviors. A Call for Cultural Change in Road Safety Experts argue that the success of these new laws hinges not just on their enforcement, but on a broader cultural shift towards responsible driving. Thomas Edelmann, founder of RoadSafetyUAE, emphasized the importance of fostering a culture of safety that involves all road users. 'We need to create a culture of safety. We need to start a movement – parents and schools can help build on this. We need to equip, teach, and protect all users,' Edelmann said. He also advocated for greater police presence and stricter enforcement to deter unsafe driving habits. Improving Infrastructure for Pedestrians and Cyclists In addition to tougher penalties, Edelmann highlighted the need for better infrastructure to improve pedestrian safety. He recommended more dedicated lanes and improved crossings for pedestrians and micro-mobility users, as well as converting existing walkways into multi-use paths. "Stricter enforcement should go hand in hand with these measures, involving not only authorities but also security personnel in both communities and commercial areas," he added. Technology's Role in Road Safety Another key factor in enhancing road safety is the use of technology. With modern security cameras and radars now capable of detecting mobile phone use behind the wheel, even in heavily tinted cars, road safety experts are urging drivers to be more cautious. These advancements are expected to play a significant role in reducing violations like distracted driving, which continues to be a major contributor to road accidents. Education and Awareness: The Pillars of Long-Term Change Phil Clarke, director of road safety and enforcement at 4E Road Safety and Transport Consultants, emphasized the importance of ongoing education and awareness campaigns. "Educating drivers and all other road users about their responsibilities and the risks of poor behaviour remains highly important in addressing road safety,' Clarke said. He pointed out that while severe penalties may have an immediate effect, they will not be enough if drivers perceive the risk of being caught as low. A Look at the Numbers: Fatalities on the Rise The latest figures from the Ministry of Interior (MoI) show that road fatalities have seen a slight uptick. In 2024, 384 people died in road accidents, a 9% increase from 2023. This reversal of the downward trend in fatalities over the past 15 years has raised concern, though experts like Dr. Mustafa Aldah, an Emirati road safety expert, noted that the UAE still performs better than many other countries in terms of road fatalities. Dr. Aldah, who is also the founder of MA-Traffic Consulting and a former head of traffic studies at Dubai Police, supports the government's decision to impose heavy fines for reckless driving, but stresses that more must be done to change driver behavior on a cultural level. A Recap of the New Traffic Offences and Penalties The new law, Federal Decree-Law No. 14 of 2024, introduces severe penalties for a range of offenses: Jaywalking : Fines of Dh400 for crossing outside designated areas, with penalties increasing to up to Dh10,000 and imprisonment for accidents in high-speed zones. : Fines of Dh400 for crossing outside designated areas, with penalties increasing to up to Dh10,000 and imprisonment for accidents in high-speed zones. Driving Under the Influence : Fines up to Dh200,000 for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, with severe penalties for repeat offenders, including license suspension and imprisonment. : Fines up to Dh200,000 for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, with severe penalties for repeat offenders, including license suspension and imprisonment. Driving with a Suspended or Unrecognised License : Fines of up to Dh50,000 and imprisonment for driving with a suspended license or an unrecognised foreign license. : Fines of up to Dh50,000 and imprisonment for driving with a suspended license or an unrecognised foreign license. Causing Death Due to Negligence: Offenders causing fatalities will face fines of at least Dh50,000, with higher penalties for offenses involving alcohol, drugs, or other aggravating circumstances. As the UAE enters this new era of road safety enforcement, experts agree that a multifaceted approach, including stricter enforcement, better infrastructure, educational initiatives, and technological tools, is needed to truly tackle the root causes of dangerous driving behaviors and make the roads safer for all users. News Source: Khaleej Times
Khaleej Times
02-04-2025
- Automotive
- Khaleej Times
UAE's new traffic laws: Experts urge increased police presence, pedestrian lanes to boost road safety
After the long Eid Al Fitr holidays, residents are back to work, and traffic on the roads has picked up once again. With that in mind, it's important to remember that new traffic laws came into effect on Saturday, March 29, introducing significant penalties, including imprisonment and fines of up to Dh200,000 for serious violations. Road safety experts have welcomed the changes to federal traffic laws but cautioned that severe penalties alone may not fully address bad road behaviour. They noted that some drivers may not be deterred if they "believe the risk of being caught is low". To truly address the issue, experts emphasise the need for stricter enforcement, alongside a broader cultural shift that promotes road safety for all. 'We need to create a culture of safety. We need to start a movement – parents and schools can help build on this. We need to equip, teach and protect all users," Thomas Edelmann, founder and managing director of RoadSafetyUAE, told Khaleej Times. "There should be stricter enforcement and also more police presence to serve as deterrent." More infrastructure for pedestrians Edelmann also pointed out aside from stricter penalties, creating more pedestrian infrastructure is essential to addressing issues like jaywalking. 'Besides addressing behavioural issues, there is a need for better infrastructure, such as more dedicated lanes. Additionally, more pedestrian and micro-mobility crossings should be created. Existing walkways, where possible, should be converted into multi-use paths and properly marked,' he noted. 'Stricter enforcement should go hand in hand with these measures, involving not only the authorities but also security personnel in both communities and commercial and residential areas," he added. The role of technology is also critical in ensuring road safety. Drivers should be aware that modern security cameras and radars are now sophisticated enough to detect mobile phone use while driving, even in heavily tinted cars. Boosting road safety Road safety experts also stressed the importance of education and awareness in promoting responsible road behaviour. 'Educating drivers and all other road users about their responsibilities and the risks of poor behaviour remains highly important in addressing road safety,' Phil Clarke, director of road safety and enforcement at 4E Road Safety and Transport Consultants, earlier told Khaleej Times. "Severe penalties alone will not address the problem and may not deter some drivers who believe that the risk of being caught is low,' he underscored, noting: "Vehicle impounding is limited in value if drivers have access to more than one vehicle.' Emirati road safety expert Dr Mustafa Aldah, meanwhile, noted 'the levels that we are seeing in terms of fatalities have been very low the past couple of years — as compared to more than 15 years ago – so, we have been doing well.' 'It's a little sad that there's a reversal, going slightly upwards, but the overall number is still very low compared to other countries, added Dr Aldah, who is also founder of MA-Traffic Consulting and former head of the traffic studies section at the Dubai Police. Based on the open data uploaded in February by the Ministry of Interior (MoI), a total of 384 road deaths were recorded last year, up by 32 cases or 9 per cent more compared to 352 fatalities in 2023. This is also 12 per cent higher or 41 more than the 343 recorded in 2022. Dr Aldah reiterated he is in favour of the government's policy to impose hefty fines against reckless drivers. Offences and penalties Here's a recap of some of the offences and penalties under the under Federal Decree-Law No. 14 of 2024 On Traffic Regulation that was announced in October last year and took effect on March 29 this year: Jaywalking The new law targets various traffic offenses, imposing imprisonment and hefty fines of up to Dh2,000. Jaywalking or crossing from undesignated areas is now among the offences that come with heftier fines. While the fine for jaywalking remains Dh400, offenders involved in accidents could face imprisonment and fines between Dh5,000 and Dh10,000. Higher penalties will be imposed on violators who cross from undesignated areas in zones with a speed limit of 80 kmph or higher. Offenders will face imprisonment for at least three months and a fine starting at Dh10,000, or one of these two penalties. Driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs In addition to jaywalking, the new law imposes fines and penalties of up to Dh200,000 for violations such as driving under the influence of narcotics or psychotropic substances. Repeat offenders face imprisonment and increasing fines, with driving licenses suspended or revoked after multiple offences. For the first offence, the court will impose imprisonment and a fine of at least Dh30,000, with the driving licence suspended for a minimum of six months. For a second offense, the licence will be cancelled for one year, and for a third offence, the licence will be permanently revoked, with the violator facing with hefty fines. Driving with a suspended, unrecognised licence A jail term of up to three months was also specified for those caught driving with a suspended licence. A fine of not less than Dh10,000 may be imposed - or either of these two penalties. Anyone who drives a vehicle on UAE roads with a foreign driving licence that is not recognised in the country shall be punished by a fine of Dh2,000 to Dh10,000 for the first offence. There will also be imprisonment for a period of not less than three months and a fine of Dh5,000 to Dh50,000 - or any of these two penalties - for repeated offences. Driving without a proper licence Those caught driving without a licence or using a licence for a different type of vehicle will face imprisonment of up to three months and a fine of Dh5,000 to Dh50,000, or by one of these two penalties. For example, individuals with a driver's licence are not permitted to ride a motorcycle, as it requires a separate permit. In the case of repeated offences, the driver will face imprisonment of no less than three months and a fine ranging from Dh20,000 to Dh100,000, or one of these two penalties. Causing death due to negligence Whoever causes the death of a person on the road will be punished by imprisonment and a fine of not less than Dh50,000. However, if the offense occurs under any of the following aggravating circumstances, the penalty shall include imprisonment for no less than one year and a fine of no less than Dh100,000, or one of these two penalties:
