Abu Dhabi: Not giving way to emergency vehicles or official convoys will result in a fine of Dh3,000, up from Dh1,000 earlier, with the car being impounded for a month, the UAE Ministry of Interior said on Monday.
The ministry said emergency vehicles will have cameras linked to smart systems in the command room to record drivers who don’t give way to emergency vehicles.
The new revised law will become effective from July 1, 2019. According to the previous law, the Dh1,000 penalty also came with six black points.
The ministry said the decision of increasing the penalty aims to reduce deaths on the roads and achieve a high level of traffic safety in the UAE.
358
drivers were fined last year for not giving way to emergency vehiclesAbu Dhabi Police stressed that giving way to emergency vehicles improved response times, while impeding movement prevented or delayed the delivery of ambulance services.
The ministry announced a one-month campaign to raise awareness among drivers about the importance of giving way to emergency and police vehicles to save the lives of others.
Civil patrols will be dispatched on the UAE’s roads to fine erring motorists.
Every second matters when it comes to saving lives. It is important drivers give way to emergency vehicles as soon as they hear the siren or see the flashing light.
Major-General Mohammad Saif Al Zafein, Head of the Federal Traffic Council and assistant to the Dubai Police Chief for Operations Affairs, said 358 drivers were fined last year in the UAE for not giving way to emergency vehicles.
“Some reckless drivers don’t understand the importance of quick response to emergency situations. As many as 358 drivers were fined last year for not giving way to emergency vehicles. That means 358 emergency cases were delayed,” Maj Gen Al Zafein said.
“Every second matters when it comes to saving lives. It is important drivers give way to emergency vehicles as soon as they hear the siren or see the flashing light.” he added.
