Traffic offenders not allowed leaving UAE

Dubai Police has said traffic offenders with huge fines will not be allowed to leave the country until they pay their fines.

“She will not face any case, but her vehicle will be in detention and her file will be frozen, and she will not be able to leave the country,” the police said when asked by Emirates 24|7 on what possible action will be taken against the Bangladeshi woman who has accumulated Dh201,140 in fines for 257 traffic violations.

The police, however, clarified that the total amount can be paid in installments.

Colonel Saif Muhair Al Mazroui, Acting Director, General Department, Traffic, Dubai Police, said total traffic fines by 17 erring motorists in the emirate hit a whopping Dh2.9 million, with the list including 80 per cent Emiratis, including three women and five men.

A Syrian woman was second on the list of violators owing the department Dh186,900 for 288 violations, followed by an Egyptian recorded 236 violations - majority of them for speeding - with Dh169,420 in fines.

An Emirati woman in sixth place has a total of Dh134,160 and 218 violations, while an Emirati man accumulated Dh129,210 for 204 violations.

Earlier this year, it was reported that Dubai was planning to introduce a “white points system” involving incentives for drivers who respect traffic rules within its ongoing fight against traffic law abuses.

The novel project will run parallel to the existing black points system enforced by Dubai and all other emirates in line with a federal law intended to curb road accidents and deter reckless motorists.

“Dubai’s traffic police will enforce the new white points system this year. It includes offering incentives for committed drivers and cutting black points.

“It also involves discounts coupons at major shopping outlets, gifts and possibly reduction of fines for those who show respect to traffic rules,” Dubai’s traffic police chief, Major General Mohammed Al Zaffin, had said at the time.