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Stay in your lane or risk paying Dh400 in UAE for traffic violations

Motorists in the UAE are being urged to stay in their lanes or face fines of Dh400 as authorities ramp up efforts to combat lane discipline violations.

TAS News Service

info@thearabianstories.com

Wednesday, November 20, 2024

DUBAI: Smart cameras and modern traffic systems across the country are actively detecting drivers flouting the rules, a move aimed at reducing road accidents and enhancing safety.

Lane discipline involves adhering to regulatory road markings, which dictate the rules for driving on specific lanes. These markings, often in white or yellow, are critical for maintaining order on the roads:

No passing line: Solid lines forbid crossing to overtake or turn, except during emergencies.

Stop and give way lines: Drivers must halt completely at white stop lines before signals turn green and yield at broken white lines when approaching intersections.

Pedestrian crossings: Thick white lines highlight crossings where vehicles must yield to pedestrians.

Failing to adhere to these markings is considered a traffic violation and poses serious safety risks.

The cost of violations

Crossing no-passing lines or entering intersections improperly incurs a fine of Dh400.

Illegally overtaking from the right lane leads to a Dh600 fine.

Using bus or taxi lanes, or the road’s hard shoulder, can result in steeper penalties, including black points on a driver’s license.

Sudden swerving, often caused by distracted driving, is a major cause of accidents in the UAE. Dubai Police reported that such incidents have claimed 32 lives this year. Distracted driving, including using a phone behind the wheel, carries an Dh800 fine, four black points, and, under new rules, could result in the impoundment of your vehicle for 30 days.

Dubai and Abu Dhabi Police have deployed advanced technologies, including smart cameras, to capture these violations in real time. These systems are designed to detect improper lane changes, last-minute intersection entries, and other forms of reckless driving.

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