In a proactive measure to promote road safety and compliance with traffic regulations, Major General Jumaa Salem Bin Suwaidan, Director of the General Traffic Department at Dubai Police, has urged drivers and vehicle owners to regularly review their traffic records and settle any accumulated fines promptly. Ignoring these fines could result in vehicle impoundment, legal proceedings, additional financial burdens, and delays in related vehicle transactions.
Increased Enforcement and Astonishing Figures
During inspection campaigns conducted in the first half of this year, Bin Suwaidan revealed that field teams successfully identified and impounded 497 vehicles with outstanding traffic violations. He highlighted the staggering amount of fines on some vehicles, which have reached tens of thousands of dirhams, noting that several owners have not renewed their vehicle registrations for years.
Call for Responsible Behaviour
Bin Suwaidan emphasised that the accumulation of traffic violations and the failure to renew vehicle registrations reflect irresponsible behaviour and disregard for regulations designed to safeguard lives and property. Driving an unregistered vehicle poses a heightened risk not only to the driver but also to other road users, particularly if the vehicle has not undergone technical inspection to verify its roadworthiness.
Traffic Violations as a Safety Measure
He clarified that traffic violations are not merely a means of collecting fines; instead, they serve as a deterrent against dangerous driving behaviours and reinforce adherence to traffic laws. Persistent offences can expose the driver and others to the risk of accidents, potentially leading to fatalities, injuries, and property damage.
Zero Tolerance for Violations
Major General Bin Suwaidan stated that Dubai Police will not hesitate to enforce the law against vehicles with significant violations. The force will continue its inspection campaigns to identify unregistered and non-compliant vehicles while taking necessary legal actions. He reiterated that neglecting to pay fines or allowing a vehicle to remain unregistered does not absolve the owner of responsibility.
Utilising Modern Technology
The field teams rely on an integrated system of advanced smart technologies to monitor outstanding vehicles and track their locations on roads or in public spaces, enhancing the efficiency of enforcement operations and facilitating prompt legal procedures.
Communication with Vehicle Owners
Before taking legal action, the General Traffic Department ensures to reach out to vehicle owners via phone calls, text messages, and emails, reminding them to clear their fines and regularise their vehicle statuses. The campaigns aim not only to enforce compliance but also to foster traffic awareness and responsibility among drivers.
Updating Contact Information
Vehicle owners are encouraged to update their contact information registered with the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in Dubai following any changes. This step ensures timely delivery of alerts and notifications regarding fines and vehicles, aiding in the regular review of their traffic records to prevent fines from piling up.
Accessible and Flexible Payment Options
Dubai Police provide multiple secure channels for fine inquiries and payments around the clock, including the Dubai Police smart app, the official website, self-service devices, and Smart Police Stations (SPS), enabling users to process their transactions easily and swiftly. Additionally, flexible options for fine instalments are available through the Dubai Police app and the “Taba” service, along with interest-free payment plans in partnership with accredited institutions. These measures assist vehicle owners in managing their financial commitments and resolving outstanding fines while helping them avoid legal and financial repercussions from delayed payments.
Encouraging a Culture of Compliance
Major General Bin Suwaidan concluded by encouraging motorists to adopt traffic compliance as a habitual practice. He stressed that settling fines is a legal responsibility, but avoiding violations altogether remains the optimal choice for safeguarding lives and properties, thereby enhancing safety on the roads of Dubai.