The UAE government has implemented several traffic rules and laws across all the Emirates to ensure road safety. To prevent fatal accidents and severe injuries, the government has forbidden the use of cell phones while driving. And violating the law results in hefty fines. Despite the strict regulations, many motorists were fined for using their phones while driving in the first quarter of the year 2022, according to the UAE Police report.
Using handheld devices while driving is a trend nowadays due to the increasing use of social media and other apps. This is not only dangerous for others on the roads but for themselves as well. Therefore, the UAE Police has effectively tracked motorists using cell phones while driving. For instance, they have installed mobile radars in the UAE, added smart patrols in their fleet and employed/posted traffic officers in patrols and private cars at different locations.
Let’s explore how these methods deployed by the UAE Police work to detect mobile phone users on the road while driving.
INSTALLATION OF ADVANCED MOBILE RADARS IN THE UAE BY THE POLICE
Automated radars in Abu Dhabi were deployed in the capital city by the Abu Dhabi Police in the year 2021, labelled as Vehicular Attention and Safety Tracker (VAST). This system was put in place to track mobile phone use and seat belt violations among motorists in the Emirate.
This system is designed using a radar monitoring system, backed with artificial intelligent (AI) powered cameras to capture high-resolution pictures of motorists using mobile phones while driving. The motorists found violating the law are then sent a text message with violation details.
Similarly, new mobile radars in Dubai were deployed in the year 2020 for detecting mobile phone use violations by drivers as well as catching motorists on sudden deviations, not following lane discipline and fastening seat belts. The smart radar in Dubai also helps track other traffic violations. This system was developed by Dubai Police using AI technology and is connected via a 4G-enabled network to the radar management system (RMS) as well as Dubai Police’s violation processing platform.
Those motorists identified via the smart radar for driving recklessly are charged AED 2,000 fine with 23 black points, and their vehicle is impounded for 60 days.
ADDITION OF SMART PATROLS IN UAE POLICE EQUIPPED WITH ADVANCED SYSTEMS
Apart from mobile radars in the UAE, the Abu Dhabi Police has deployed smart patrols at different locations on the roads of the capital city. These smart patrols track motorists not following traffic rules and regulations, as they are integrated with advanced technology. The smart patrols detect motorists using cell phones while driving, not wearing seatbelts, driving above the standard UAE speed limits and not abiding by other traffic rules in the Emirate. The Dubai Police then notifies the motorist via SMS.
Moreover, Dubai Police is adding ‘Ghiath’, an ultra-luxury smart patrol car in their fleet that features a 360-degree camera and eight surveillance cameras. This smart patrol in the Dubai Police car fleet will also help monitor motorists and track those violating traffic rules. Ghiath will also feature an advanced licence plate and facial recognition system.
Besides, people living in Dubai are encouraged to go through the road safety rules and initiatives in Dubai to avoid any inconvenience, especially hefty fines.
TRAFFIC OFFICERS EMPLOYED AT DIFFERENT LOCATIONS ON ROADS IN PATROLS AND PRIVATE CARS
Traffic officers are stationed on different roads in each Emirate to track motorists using mobile phones and other traffic violations. The traffic officers are in charge of booking and charge fines on motorists on the spot involved in mobile phone offences. Even if the motorists are not caught on the spot, traffic officers can issue a fine for their committed traffic law offences.
FINE AMOUNT FOR USING PHONE WHILE DRIVING
Whether motorists are caught through mobile radars in the UAE, they are liable to pay a fine of AED 800. Besides paying a fine for using a phone while driving, they might also get up to four black points.
This is how the UAE Police track drivers using mobile phones and other handheld devices while driving. There are many road safety rules and initiatives in Abu Dhabi, and those who don’t abide by them have to bear hefty fines. Furthermore, to track all times of traffic violations, government has installed traffic cameras in the UAE.
Road accidents are one of the main consequences of using a phone while driving, and it happens due to drivers’ lack of concentration. But in case you have to make an urgent call or attend an important call, you can pair your smartphone with your car Bluetooth. Modern cars today feature in-built Bluetooth, and that eliminates the need to hold your phone while driving. However, this option should only be availed in case of emergency so that you can focus on the road while driving. Besides, when you are buying a used car in the UAE, make sure it offers Bluetooth connectivity and is functional.
Stay tuned to the top auto blog of the UAE for more updates on traffic rules and fines across all the Emirates and a lot more.
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