UAE tightens traffic law: Advanced cameras to catch mobile use, seat belt violations

DUBAI: The UAE is preparing to tighten the traffic law in the face of increasing violations on the road. Cameras with sophisticated systems are installed at various places to catch people using mobile phones while driving. The specialty of these cameras is that they can bypass the cooling glasses attached to the car glass and catch the violation. The cameras will help detect various road safety violations such as not wearing seat belts and use of mobile phones.

Major General Saif Muhair Al Mazrouei, Director of the General Department of Traffic at Dubai Police, said that the advanced smart traffic cameras have detected many violations. He clarified that violations such as using mobile phones and reading newspapers while driving have been identified.

Al Mazrui reminded vehicle owners that their vehicles will be impounded for up to 30 days if they are caught using mobile phones while driving, turning without warning and other violations. The police said that the vehicle will be impounded for 30 days and fined between Dh400 (Rs 9189) to Dh1000 (Rs 22973) and four black points. The law has been tightened in the context of the increase in vehicle accidents in each emirate of the UAE. People including expatriates who are on the road with a vehicle should pay special attention to this.