Over 200 motorists fined for driving noisy cars in UAE

Ras Al Khaimah - During the first nine months of the year.

While some drivers turn deaf ears to repetitive warnings against noisy driving, the Ras Al Khaimah Police have intensified its patrols on all roads and managed to nab 201 reckless motorists in nine months.
The erring drivers, fined Dh402,000, were mostly speeding through city streets and rocketing along thoroughfares, leaving behind deafening decibels of unnecessary noise, according to a senior police officer.
Col Ahmad Al Sam Al Naqbi, director of the traffic and patrols department, RAK Police, said these "callous" drivers pose a grave risk to road users' life and theirs.
"Up to 201 drivers were booked for a total of Dh402,000 in the first nine months of the year for noisy driving at different places across the emirate."
Thirty drivers were fined in absentia while 171 tickets were issued in the presence of the erring drivers, he disclosed.
"A hefty fine of Dh2,000 along with 12 black traffic points were issued against each driver involved in noisy driving."
The RAK police have warned drivers about disturbing the public, particularly at tourist sites and residential areas, Col Al Naqbi pointed out.
"Speeding, drifting and driving a noisy car that is fitted with accessories are not funny or thrilling practices, and shall be cracked down with no tolerance."
The RAK traffic and patrol department will deploy more police staff and launch more raids against the auto garages involved in illegal engine changes and banned noisy accessories, he warned.
The RAK Police earlier impounded 529 motorbikes for flouting traffic rules, mostly roaring by night," according to Major Salem Mohamed Burqiba, head of traffic and patrols section with RAK police.
"They disturb the peace, annoy thousands and often run in packs of young men living out fast and furious fantasies, while some other motorbikes were either unlicensed or ridden by youth."
The RAK police have launched several campaigns to develop the traffic awareness of drivers and parents about the negative impact of traffic accidents and speeding, he added.
"The traffic officers also paid visits to residential areas and gave valuable advice to the public to protect the life of road users, curb accidents, and ensure flow."
Major Burqiba said the inspections raid will continue all the year round at all areas of the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah to curb all erring drivers and bring them to justice.
"No vehicle or motorbike shall be released before full payment of set fines at the end of the impoundment period and only upon the approval of the technical committee concerned."
The Ras Al Khaimah Municipality had earlier auctioned off tens of unclaimed impounded vehicles and motorbikes, some of which were not collected back for one and two years.
"Owners of the seized vehicles were given a grace period of only one month, following which they lost their vehicles for ever, and can never claim them back as per law," said Munzir bin Shukr, Director General of the RAK Municipality.
ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com

• Ras Al Khaimah