On Tuesday, Dubai Police enforced tougher regulations targeting distracted driving, tailgating, and sudden lane deviation, with vehicle impoundment lasting up to 30 days for violators.
Many residents across Dubai have embraced these stricter measures, hoping they will curb dangerous driving habits. Nasreen, a Dubai resident, praised the move, saying, “I think this is a great idea because I see a lot of people using their phones while driving. The traffic has been unpredictable lately, and this serious punishment might just make people reconsider their actions.”
Nasreen shared how her niece encountered significant challenges after her vehicle was impounded for accidentally running a red light. Abeer Faisal, a Sudanese resident, also voiced her approval of the new regulations, believing that stricter penalties will encourage drivers to be more cautious.
“It’s scary how a little distraction can cost so much,” Abeer said, pointing out that modern car technology could reduce the need for phone use while driving. “People need to be more patient on the roads—an extra few minutes won’t hurt anyone.”
However, some residents, like Mohamed A., expressed reservations about the severity of the penalties. “While I understand the significance of addressing phone usage, I think 30 days can be a little too much. It’s important to be cautious, but there must be a balance,” he said.
Expert Support for the Move
Experts highlight that distracted driving is a major contributor to traffic fatalities, responsible for 26 per cent of such incidents. Thomas Edelmann, founder and managing director of Road Safety UAE, emphasized that data from the Ministry of Interior in 2023 ranked distracted driving as the leading cause of accidents.
Edelmann explained, “Distracted driving, especially due to mobile phone use, is by far the biggest culprit on our roads.” He further noted that international research reveals distracted drivers are four times more likely to be involved in an accident than those focused on the road. “Those texting while driving are 20 times more likely [to be involved in a crash],” he added.
Highlighting the dangers of using mobile phones while driving, Edelmann said, “It combines all four types of distractions — taking your eyes off the road, your hands off the wheel, your mind off driving, and auditory distractions. Each one is dangerous, but together, they multiply the risk.”
Edelmann also attributed this behavior to a lack of consideration for other road users and stressed the importance of strict enforcement. “Fines not only have a financial impact but also serve an educational purpose, reminding motorists of their responsibility,” he said.
In addition to the 30-day impoundment for major offenses, the amended law introduces a 14-day vehicle seizure for other infractions, including dangerous reversing, failure to maintain lane discipline, stopping on the shoulder in non-emergency situations, dangerous overtaking, and driving without a license plate.
