DUBAI, 26 February 2008 — The UAE Ministry of Interior has announced that it would apply new amendments of the Federal Traffic Law beginning March 1. The new system will register black points even in absentia offenses unlike the current system that registers black points only for spot offenses, according to Lt. Gen. Saif Al-Shafaar, undersecretary to the ministry.
The refined law, he said, aimed at curbing reckless motorists by imposing tough penalties. “The new stringent measures fit the federal government strategy to reduce road fatalities, protect individuals and properties and make roads safer,” WAM news agency quoted Al-Shafaar as saying.
Under the new system, if a motorist scores 24 points in a year his driver’s license will be confiscated for three months and his vehicle for a month. If he obtains 24 black points in one year for the second time, his driving license will be confiscated for six months and he will be required to take a driving test if he acquires 24 black points for the third time. The new rule applies to all drivers.
Meanwhile, more than 50 Dubai policemen have been fined for tinting the windshields of their vehicles over the permitted limit of 30 percent. Maj. Saif Al-Mazroui, acting deputy director of the Traffic Department, said the aim of the campaign is to alert policemen that they have to be role models for others to abide by the rules.
