Abu Dhabi is the capital city of the UAE, characterized by modern buildings, a developed culture, and exact traffic rules. Among all these regulations, a very sensitive aspect that needs to be pointed out is the traffic signal regulation. Violation of a red signal is also regarded as a heinous crime in Abu Dhabi since a driver either kills or inflicts severe injuries on his or her fellow beings; this attracts high fines and penalties.
This blog aims to provide you with a complete understanding of Abu Dhabi red signal fines, including the legal framework, penalties, and measures to avoid such fines.
Penalties for Running a Red Light
Financial Fines
Violation of red light in Abu Dhabi imposes a huge Automated Systemsine. As per the existing policies, the punishment of this violation is AED 1,000. This penalty is applied to deter drivers to take part in so dangerous violation of the traffic regulation and remind them that the rules should be observed.
Black Points System
In addition to financial fines, driving violations in Abu Dhabi are penalized under the black points system. Disregarding a red light leads to the accumulation of 12 points in black on the driver’s license. Garnishing excessive black points entails severe repercussions such as suspension or cancellation of the driver’s license.
Vehicle Impoundment
The other steep consequence of violating a red light is that one’s car is liable to be towed. The normal duration taken in impounding a vehicle is one month whereby the car is taken to a police impound yard. However, to reclaim the car, the owner must pay another fee, and this can sometimes be quite expensive.
Legal Framework Governing Traffic Violations
Traffic Law in Abu Dhabi
Currently, traffic laws in Abu Dhabi are based on the Federal Law No. (21) of 1995, with further amendments to counter new traffic challenges. The law aims at safe use of the roads, decreased rates of accidents, and encouraging proper conduct on the roads. Some of the specific provisions that regard the traffic signals are highlighted in this law with special regard to traffic signals.
Role of Abu Dhabi Police
The Abu Dhabi Police are instrumental in traffic regulation and supervision of traffic signals and other measures for the violation of the law. The police employ technological features like traffic cameras and sophisticated automatic systems in identifying red light offenses. These measures are intended to make offenders be held responsible no matter their absence from the scene of the crime.
How Red Light Violations Are Detected
Traffic Cameras
Abu Dhabi traffic is well monitored through the traffic cams that are placed at most of the traffic signals. These cameras also feature sensors and imaging systems that help them spot vehicles that disobey red lights. The footage obtained from these cameras acts as evidence that forms the basis for fines and other sanctions.
Automated Systems
Besides traffic cameras, Abu Dhabi has added radar and infrared to check on the motorists who fail to obey red lights. These systems may work 24/7 and this means that they will continuously monitor and enforce.
Police Patrols
Technology is also used to detect red light violations with police patrol constantly observing the intersections. The police are allowed to arrest and fine at sight if you are caught driving when the traffic light is red.
How to Avoid Red Light Violations
Understanding Traffic Signals
Abu Dhabi has a well-developed network of traffic cameras at all the critical intersections. These cameras have special sensors and high-quality imaging systems to identify vehicles violating the ‘red light.’ The videos from these cameras are used as evidence to facilitate fines and other punitive measures.
Defensive Driving
Besides traffic cameras, there are other automatic systems to control red light violations in Abu Dhabi, namely radar and infrared systems. Since they are automated, they can work around the clock, hence constantly monitoring and enforcing the rules.
Staying Alert
Though red light violations are identified by technology, police patrols are also deployed in such areas. An officer is allowed to impose a penalty on the spot if he catches a driver violating a red light.
Consequences of Ignoring Red Light Fines
Accumulation of Fines
Failure to pay fines acquired when the red light is disregarded will compound the problem, and it becomes hard to solve. Failure to pay fines may attract other costs as well as interest which in the end add up to the amount of fine to be paid by the offender.
License Suspension
Gaining too many such black points because of unpaid fines may result in the suspension of the driver’s license. This may have a big effect on the driver’s daily routine, traveling to work, school, or other crucial activities.
Legal Action
However, in the worst-case scenarios, non-payment of fines for some time may attract legal consequences. Sometimes, the authorities go to court demanding the outstanding amount to be paid, which can lead to additional problems and imprisonment.
Impounded Vehicle Auction
If a vehicle is impounded and the owner fails to pay the necessary fees so that the car can be released, the vehicle is sold by the authorities. This leads to the loss of the said vehicle and potentially leads to the financial loss of the owner.
Read Also: Drive in 100+ Countries! Is Your UAE License Valid?
Final Words
Abu Dhabi is a very serious offense whose repercussions include fines, black points, and sometimes towing of the vehicle based on the severity of the offence and sometimes imprisonment. The way to protect yourself against these violations is to learn the legal side of the matter involving such cases, the punitive treatment to which one is likely to be subjected, and how these violations could be publicized. Hence, safe driving, attention and observing signals and speed limits would help to address the issue of unsafe roads in Abu Dhabi.
