Punishments and Fines for Safety Risk-Takers During Poor Weather Conditions in the UAE

The United Arab Emirates enforces strict traffic rules and regulations in the country. In this connection, the law governing traffic is the Federal Law No. 21 of 1995 Concerning Traffic (Traffic Law) read with the Ministerial Decision No. 130/ 1997 Issuing the Implementing Regulation for Federal Law No. 21/ 1995 Concerning Traffic (Traffic Implementing Regulations), along with other decisions, rules, and regulations.

The rules and regulations set out in the Traffic laws should be followed in the UAE, especially because a violation of the rules could lead to harsh penalties.

Obligations of the Driver

The UAE Traffic Law specifies the obligations of the drivers of vehicles while driving. For example, Article 10 of the Traffic Law requires the driver to abstain from driving the vehicle under the effect of alcohol or narcotic substances. It also requires the driver to abstain from driving if he is in a state of exhaustion affecting his capacity of control.

Similarly, Article 10/10 of the Traffic Law mandates that the driver should not exceed the maximum speed decided for the road, with due consideration to the conditions of the place, weather, the vehicle, and other safety requirements.

In accordance with Article 38 of the Traffic Implementing Regulations, the driver has to abide by the speed dictated by the condition of traffic on the road, the visibility, weather conditions, etc. He must also slow down or stop if needed when the visibility is unclear.

Black Points

It is also worth noting that the traffic department sets a record for violations that are committed by the drivers and these violations are classified according to their seriousness. Each violation has a fixed traffic point number, generally referred to as black points, which will be accumulated based on the violation.

According to the Ministerial Decision No. 178 of 2017 On the Rules and Procedures of Traffic Control, as amended by the Ministerial Decision No. 243 of 2020, driving in a way that poses danger to the driver’s life or lives, and the safety of others, will result in black points of 23 and the vehicle may be confiscated for 60 days.

Additionally, in poor weather conditions, one must be extremely careful of how to drive. Sudden swerving, going above the posted speed limits, and sudden lane changes should be avoided. If you are driving dangerously in poor weather conditions and cause serious accidents or injuries, the fine imposed will be at the discretion of the courts. That said, you will be punished with 23 black points and have your vehicle confiscated for 30 days.

Additionally, sudden swerving is liable to fines of AED 1000 and 4 black points. Reversing in a dangerous manner will also result in 4 black points, along with an AED 500 fine.

If a driver jumps a red signal, the vehicle may be confiscated for 30 days, with the driver fined AED 1000 and 12 black points.

Conclusion

It is imperative to adhere to the traffic rules and ensure that additional precautions are taken when there are poor weather conditions and low visibility. This will ensure the safety of the driver himself, the other drivers on the road, the pedestrian and the surrounding environment. It is better to be safe than sorry.

Awatif Mohammad Shoqi Advocates & Legal Consultancy is a full-service law firm in UAE committed to delivering sound judgment to its clients on their most difficult and important matters.