Up to Dh2,000 fine in UAE: Rain-related penalties explained; police issue safety tips

[Editor's note: This story was originally published in October 2023. Due to the 'unstable weather' warning issued in the country from today, it is being reshared to inform residents about important safety tips and weather-related traffic violations.]

As heavy rains lashed different parts of the country on Thursday, authorities in the UAE reminded motorists to drive safely and warned of stiffer penalties for traffic violations that pose a risk to lives during rains and adverse weather conditions.

The UAE's National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) reported rains in varying degrees in several parts of the country. Heavy showers have washed over several roads, prompting motorists to exercise caution throughout the Emirates.

Back in May this year, the country’s Ministry of Interior had announced penalties with 10 weather-related traffic violations that come with fines of up to Dh2,000, 23 black points and confiscation of vehicles for two months.

On Thursday, police authorities in the UAE shared safety tips for driving in the rain.

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Here are some important safety tips motorists should adhere to:

Here is the list of 10 weather-related traffic violations and fines:

Taking photos or videos of rain or fog while driving: Dh800 fine, four black points

Police forces have reiterated multiple times that motorists must focus only on the task at hand: Driving. They must resist the urge to click a photo or take a video no matter how beautiful the scenery is. Doing so is classified under ‘distracted driving’.

Driving dangerously: Dh2,000 fine, 23 black points and 60-day confiscation

Earlier this year, the Dubai Police seized 90 vehicles whose drivers were caught performing stunts in the rain. This was among the many instances of motorists driving dangerously during adverse weather conditions.

Driving with hazard lights on: Dh500 fine, four black points

Some motorists switch on their hazard lights when driving in foggy or rainy conditions. However, this causes confusion on the roads.

Driving in the fog without lights: Dh500 fine, 4 black points

Driving in the fog despite official instructions not to: Dh500 fine, 4 black points

When foul weather affects visibility, police forces ban the movement of some vehicles — typically trucks and buses.

Failure to follow instructions issued by a policeman: Dh400 fine, four black points

Fleeing when a policeman asks a motorist to stop: Dh800 fine, 12 black points

Gathering near valleys, flooded areas and dams during rainy weather: Dh1,000 fine, six black points

Many UAE residents drive to valleys to experience or film flooded valleys and dams without realising how dangerous the practice is. The new fine is expected to deter such motorists.

Entering flooded valleys, regardless of their level of danger: Dh2,000 fine, 23 black points, 60-day confiscation of vehicles

Some motorists drive into valleys flooded with rainwater gushing off mountains. Many have been caught in the strong currents, with vehicles getting swept away.

Obstructing the relevant authorities from regulating traffic; or ambulance and rescue vehicles during emergencies, disasters, crises and rains; and in flooded valleys: Dh1,000 fine, four black points, 60-day confiscation of vehicles.

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• UAE