Khaleej Times, 22 October 2024: The Dubai Police will now impound vehicles for up to 30 days for a number of traffic offences.

Using mobile phones while driving, tailgating and sudden deviation are among the offences which will lead to a vehicle being confiscated for 30 days.

Federal Decree-Law No. 14/2024 specifies fines of between Dh400 and Dh1,000 and four black points for these offences. With this amendment, the 30-day impoundment will be an additional penalty in Dubai. Using a phone while driving has been defined as being distracted by devices while driving. Sudden deviation of the vehicle in a manner that poses a danger to lives and property, or traffic safety, and not leaving enough safe distance from the vehicle in front will also lead to a 30-day impoundment.

The additional penalty also applies if a heavy vehicle fails to adhere to lane discipline.

A 14-day impoundment for entering the road without making sure it is clear, reversing the vehicle in a manner that endangers life or property or traffic safety, lane indiscipline, stopping in the middle of the road for no reason, dangerous overtaking, lack of necessary safety and security conditions in the vehicle, stopping a vehicle on the shoulder of the road in non-emergency situations, or overtaking vehicles from the shoulder.

This penalty will also apply when driving a vehicle without a licence plate, driving in a manner that obstructs traffic and making changes to a vehicle’s colour without permission.

For more news and content, try Lexis Middle East. Click on lexis.ae/demo to begin your free trial of Lexis® Middle East platform.

You can also explore the legal landscape by subscribing to our Weekly Newsletter.

Want to learn more about Lexis® Middle East? Visit https://www.lexis.ae/lexis-middle-east-law/.