By Staff Reporter
UAE’s New Traffic Laws Aim to Curb Road Safety Violations, Experts Urge More Than Just Penalties
As the long Eid Al Fitr holidays come to a close, residents are returning to their daily routines, and with it, traffic congestion is making its annual resurgence.
However, the roads now come with a new set of rules and stricter penalties following the enactment of updated federal traffic laws on March 29. These changes include severe fines and imprisonment for serious violations, with penalties reaching up to Dh200,000. While these changes have been largely welcomed by road safety experts, many caution that harsher penalties alone may not be sufficient to fully curb reckless driving behaviors.
A Call for Cultural Change in Road Safety
Experts argue that the success of these new laws hinges not just on their enforcement, but on a broader cultural shift towards responsible driving. Thomas Edelmann, founder of RoadSafetyUAE, emphasized the importance of fostering a culture of safety that involves all road users.
“We need to create a culture of safety. We need to start a movement – parents and schools can help build on this. We need to equip, teach, and protect all users,”
Edelmann said. He also advocated for greater police presence and stricter enforcement to deter unsafe driving habits.
Improving Infrastructure for Pedestrians and Cyclists
In addition to tougher penalties, Edelmann highlighted the need for better infrastructure to improve pedestrian safety. He recommended more dedicated lanes and improved crossings for pedestrians and micro-mobility users, as well as converting existing walkways into multi-use paths.
“Stricter enforcement should go hand in hand with these measures, involving not only authorities but also security personnel in both communities and commercial areas,”
he added.
Technology’s Role in Road Safety
Another key factor in enhancing road safety is the use of technology. With modern security cameras and radars now capable of detecting mobile phone use behind the wheel, even in heavily tinted cars, road safety experts are urging drivers to be more cautious. These advancements are expected to play a significant role in reducing violations like distracted driving, which continues to be a major contributor to road accidents.
Education and Awareness: The Pillars of Long-Term Change
Phil Clarke, director of road safety and enforcement at 4E Road Safety and Transport Consultants, emphasized the importance of ongoing education and awareness campaigns.
“Educating drivers and all other road users about their responsibilities and the risks of poor behaviour remains highly important in addressing road safety,”
Clarke said. He pointed out that while severe penalties may have an immediate effect, they will not be enough if drivers perceive the risk of being caught as low.
A Look at the Numbers: Fatalities on the Rise
The latest figures from the Ministry of Interior (MoI) show that road fatalities have seen a slight uptick. In 2024, 384 people died in road accidents, a 9% increase from 2023. This reversal of the downward trend in fatalities over the past 15 years has raised concern, though experts like Dr. Mustafa Aldah, an Emirati road safety expert, noted that the UAE still performs better than many other countries in terms of road fatalities. Dr. Aldah, who is also the founder of MA-Traffic Consulting and a former head of traffic studies at Dubai Police, supports the government’s decision to impose heavy fines for reckless driving, but stresses that more must be done to change driver behavior on a cultural level.
A Recap of the New Traffic Offences and Penalties
The new law, Federal Decree-Law No. 14 of 2024, introduces severe penalties for a range of offenses:
Jaywalking: Fines of Dh400 for crossing outside designated areas, with penalties increasing to up to Dh10,000 and imprisonment for accidents in high-speed zones.
Driving Under the Influence: Fines up to Dh200,000 for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, with severe penalties for repeat offenders, including license suspension and imprisonment.
Driving with a Suspended or Unrecognised License: Fines of up to Dh50,000 and imprisonment for driving with a suspended license or an unrecognised foreign license.
Causing Death Due to Negligence: Offenders causing fatalities will face fines of at least Dh50,000, with higher penalties for offenses involving alcohol, drugs, or other aggravating circumstances.
As the UAE enters this new era of road safety enforcement, experts agree that a multifaceted approach, including stricter enforcement, better infrastructure, educational initiatives, and technological tools, is needed to truly tackle the root causes of dangerous driving behaviors and make the roads safer for all users.
News Source: Khaleej Times
