595 drivers nabbed with expired registration cards in UAE

Ras Al Khaimah - Violation draws a fine of Dh500 and 4 black points

Mounting its inspection campaigns, the Ras Al Khaimah Police have nabbed 595 drivers with expired registration cards.
Driving with an expired registration shall draw a fine of Dh500 as well as four black traffic points, as per the recent traffic amendments implemented in the UAE.
The vehicle shall be impounded for seven days if the registration card has become invalid for more than three months, according to Brigadier Dr Mohammed Saeed Al Humaidi, director general of the central operations department, RAK Police.
"A tougher penalty has been enforced on this particular traffic violation because of the grave impact that an unfit vehicle causes."
Some drivers have turned deaf ear and refused to renew their vehicle registration cards, he added. "This is probably due to accumulated traffic fines or improper condition of their vehicles."
More inspection campaigns will be carried out to crack down on all traffic violations, boost traffic flow, and ensure road-users' safety, Brig. Humaidi underlined. "All drivers are urged to observe traffic rules and regulations."
Brig. Humaidi said some of the motorists who were nabbed were aware of their expired registration cards, but preferred not to comply with prescribed rules which are basically meant for their own safety.
"Some others renewed only their insurance policy, but not their car registration. They were concerned about the insurance because it protects them and think there is no point in renewing the registration, and that is not true."
When renewing the registration, vehicle has to undergo tests to see if all of the important parts are working properly and if it can be safely driven on the road, Brig. Humaidi pointed out. "This means registration is just as important for protection of motorists as insurance."
The vehicle registration can be renewed 30 days before the date of expiry, he said. "A 30-day grace period is also given after the expiry date so that the drivers can easily renew their vehicle registration."
Motorists are sent an SMS and emails to remind them about their vehicle registration's expiry date, he pointed out. "Driving an unregistered vehicle is a grave risk to all road-users."
ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com

• Ras Al Khaimah