New fines for traffic offences in the offing

Fines proposed for leaving kids in vehicles with engines running, failure to lock doors.

The practice of motorists leaving children in cars with the engine running has proved to be fatal for the kids, especially during the summer months in the country. — Getty Images

Dubai - The Federal Traffic Council has proposed a fine for motorists who leave their car engines running with children aged under 10 years inside. A fine has also been proposed for failure to lock car doors properly following increasing instances of children falling out of moving vehicles.

These are among a number of proposals discussed by the Dubai Police for amending and cancelling fines for traffic violations.

Car modification

Major-General Mohammed Saif Al Zafin, Assistant Commander-in-Chief of Dubai Police and Head of Federal Traffic Council, said they discussed the practice of car modification as it endangers people’s lives.

An extra fuel tank in a car is a fire hazard, he said, and can affect the car’s overall balance. Modification may be legalised subject to certain regulations so that it can be done under supervision of the police authorities. The youth indulging in stunt driving and racing modify their cars, posing a risk to their lives and that of other road users, and “cause chaos and noise” in different areas, he said.

He revealed that the traffic council has approved the proposals and trials to evaluate their effectiveness will be launched soon. A committee from the Ministry of Interior has been formed to put in place the regulations that will determine modification limits and specifications. The committee will also decide where the modified cars can be driven.

Proposals to cancel fines

A proposal to not fine motorists for using their mobile phones in stationary cars has been discussed. Maj-Gen Al Zafin said the council also discussed allowing visitors to the country to drive with international driving licences issued in their countries.

The traffic council also discussed cancelling fines for cars that cause high emissions as the police cannot determine the pollution levels caused by such cars. Fines for car smuggling may also get cancelled.

Maj-Gen Al Zafin said the council discussed the cancellation of fines imposed on motorists for injuries resulting from traffic accidents. He said the person would anyway be referred to court where he will get fined. “There is no reason for the errant motorist to get punished twice. However, those who drive under the influence of alcohol will be issued 24 black points and their vehicle will be confiscated for two months.”

amira@khaleejtimes.com