UAE: Dh3,000 fine for not giving way to emergency vehicles

Abu Dhabi - Offending drivers will also have their cars impounded for a month.

Abu Dhabi Police have issued a fresh warning to motorists who don't give way to emergency and police vehicles, stressing that those caught will face a Dh3,000 fine and their cars will be confiscated for 30 days.

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Offending drivers will also be slapped with six black points.

In their Safety Path campaign, police highlighted the importance of clearing the way for emergency and police vehicles, and adhering to the right traffic behaviours when these vehicles are passing through, in order to ensure they are not delayed in arriving at accident scenes.

The force said the practice of failing to give way to emergency vehicles like ambulances, fire trucks and police patrols leads to delays in reaching accident or fire scenes.

According to officers, drivers of emergency vehicles and ambulances sometimes struggle to get through traffic jams to reach the scene of an accident due to cars refusing to clear the way.

“Drivers failing to give way for emergency vehicles put people’s lives in danger. Motorists should allow paramedics and rescue teams to do their work of saving lives by not blocking the emergency vehicles,” the police said, adding that drivers should pull over to the side of the road to let ambulances pass.

Authorities said a rushing ambulance means someone's life is in danger and a motorist can help save that life by giving way, so that there is no delay in the treatment.

Abu Dhabi Police said they have conducted several campaigns to raise awareness among drivers about the importance of giving way.

Officers also warned motorists against driving on the road shoulder, stressing that it was designated for emergency vehicles only.

• Abu Dhabi