The Year of Giving
Dubai, a global city known for its skyscrapers and tourism has visitors and residents from all around the world. One of the main consequences of Dubai’s dense population is its traffic. Since there are many well established schools and companies in Dubai, the traffic often becomes a hassle for the ones travelling to and from the emirates. But fortunately, we have got a responsible and an efficient government, which keeps the traffic controlled to a large extent with its strict rules and regulations.
The Dubai government has always ensured the safety of its residents, by penalizing every traffic offence that would deter motorists from committing future offences. Use of hand held phone while driving is the most commonly committed offence inviting a penalty of Dh.200. Other than fine, black points are also recorded against the offenders and if the number of black points exceeds 24 points, the motorist will be banned from driving any vehicle for a year.
During this holy month of Ramadan, the Dubai government has come with an initiative for the benefit of residents by not charging traffic fines for minor offences in Dubai. Such minor offenders will only be asked to sign an obligation letter, than being fined. This initiative is in line with the ‘Year of Giving’ introduced by UAE President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Even though this advantage is only available during Ramadan, this has definitely come as great relief to the motorists. This second chance provided by the government will encourage the motorists to follow the traffic rules. It must be understood that this act of kindness, does not mean that the offender will never be charged with a fine. The obligation letter clearly mentions that the motorist will be charged with a fine if there is a repetition of the offence or if any traffic law is violated. The minor offences include:
- Not wearing seatbelt
- Blocking the traffic
- Using phone when driving
- Expired car registration
- Stopping in the middle of the road without reason
- Driving a vehicle at night without lights
The Dubai Police has aimed at making the motorists more responsible drivers on road. This initiative has definitely brought smiles in the faces of the first-time traffic offenders and has also shown the big heart the government has for its residents.