Motorists who think they can get away with using their phones while driving, even with tinted windows, need to think again. Authorities are now using advanced smart cameras to detect traffic violations like mobile phone use and not wearing seat belts, even through heavily tinted windshields.
Maj-Gen Saif Muhair Al Mazrouei, director of the General Department of Traffic at Dubai Police, explained on Friday that these advanced cameras have already caught several cases of distracted driving. “In one case, a driver was using two phones while driving, and another was seen reading a newspaper, blocking their view of the road,” he added.
Al Mazrouei emphasized that the new systems are designed to detect various violations, including mobile phone usage, not wearing seat belts, and other distractions, and they can capture these violations even if the vehicle’s windscreen is tinted.
Motorist Penalties for Distracted Driving
Al Mazrouei reminded drivers that vehicles could be impounded for up to 30 days for repeated traffic offenses, including using a mobile phone while driving, tailgating, or making sudden lane changes. This 30-day impoundment will be in addition to fines ranging from Dh400 to Dh1,000 and four black points for these offenses.
The Technology Behind the Smart Cameras
Youssef Al Hansali, CEO of Vitronic Machine Vision, explained how the smart cameras work. “The system can detect mobile phone usage through advanced photo technology and AI,” he said. “The cameras capture front-facing images of the driver, which are then processed by UAE authorities for further action. The system works well from the front, but also from the side, and even penetrates tinted windows.”
Al Hansali pointed out that the UAE has quickly implemented smart traffic enforcement systems over the past few years. “The technologies in use today include cameras for front and rear speed detection, mobile phone usage, seat belt monitoring, safe distance tracking, lane discipline, and red light violations,” he said. He also noted that these cameras help with traffic management, city tolling, and optimizing traffic flow.
Smart Cameras Help Tackle Distracted Driving
Al Hansali added that mobile phone use while driving is a leading cause of distracted driving, but the good news is that authorities now have the technical tools to detect this behavior.
The Dangers of Distracted Driving
Thomas Edelmann, founder of Road Safety UAE, stated, “Drivers who text while driving are 20 times more likely to crash.” He also explained that distracted driving, particularly due to mobile phone use, is the biggest cause of accidents on the roads. According to data from the Ministry of Interior, distracted driving was the top cause of accidents in 2023, and research shows distracted drivers are four times more likely to be involved in a crash compared to those focused on the road.
In one recent incident, Abu Dhabi Police released a video showing a white van crashing into at least seven vehicles, including a delivery motorcycle. Authorities stated the driver was distracted and didn’t notice the traffic congestion.
Earlier, Abu Dhabi Police also shared footage of a car crashing into a parked sedan on the shoulder of the road. The distracted driver crossed a solid line and crashed into the parked car, causing it to skid off the road.
Ongoing Warnings About Distraction and Mobile Phones
Abu Dhabi Police have continually warned drivers about the dangers of using phones for browsing, making calls, taking pictures, and other activities while driving. These distractions can lead to serious accidents.
Authorities stress that the use of smart technology is part of their broader goal of making the country a global leader in road safety. The strategic aim is to reduce road fatalities, but they also emphasized that motorist cooperation is essential in following road safety rules.
