Motorist in Dubai fined for crossing tram signal

Dubai - The verdict came after the defendant presented an objection before the public prosecution against a traffic violation ticket issued to him.

The Dubai Traffic Court has ordered an Asian man to pay a Dh3,000 fine and suspended his driving licence for jumping a Dubai Tram signal, said Advocate-General Salah Bu Farroucha Al Felasi, Dubai Traffic Chief Prosecutor. The 32-year-old Asian's licence is suspended for 30 days.
"He crossed the red light at the Tram junction on Al Sufouh Road but luckily did not cause any accident," he said.
Al Felasi said that the verdict came after the defendant presented an objection before the public prosecution against a traffic violation ticket issued to him. He was issued the ticket in early January.
The public prosecution began its procedures regarding the defendant's request. After completing the necessary procedures, it referred the motorist to the Traffic Court as per the Executive Council's order No. 1 of 2014, on regulating the Tram in Dubai.
The order stipulates that whoever jumps the red light at the Tram junction, without causing an accident, shall be issued a maximum fine of Dh5,000 and minimum of Dh2,000. The order also says that the faulty driver's license shall be suspended for a period not exceeding three months (with a minimum suspension period of one month).
"The public prosecution has started the execution of the court's order of suspending the defendant's driving license in coordination with the Roads and Transport Authority," Al Felasi said.
He concluded that the local legislations impose stiff penalties on errant motorists that may include fines of up to Dh30,000. The fine may be doubled if the motorist makes a similar offence within one year.
mary@khaleejtimes.com

• Dubai