Dubai installs cameras that detect if drivers are wearing seat belts– even through tinted windows

Police in emirate say devices can identify up to 17 offences, including making an engine louder

A new traffic camera system will help police in Dubai to clamp down on driving offences. Pawan Singh / The National

New traffic cameras in Dubai are able to detect if drivers are wearing a seat belt or have modified their engine to make it louder.

The cameras, which use artificial intelligence to determine if a driver is breaking the law, were trialled over the past three years at specific sites but are now widespread across the emirate.

Police can use the cameras to identify a total of 17 traffic offences. The cameras take a photo and short video clip to issue a fine without human interaction. Police would not disclose the locations of the cameras but did say most traffic cameras were using the technology. A senior figure from Dubai Police said the network is so advanced, the cameras can see through tinted windows to determine whether the driver is wearing a seat belt.

“The device uses infrared imaging technology, which helps to take clear picture of the driver and the passenger,” Brigadier Mohammed Ali Karam, director of the Traffic Technologies Department at the General Department of Traffic in Dubai Police, told The National.

"Even if the driver is wearing black clothes, the seat belt can be detected. The new radar can differentiate between clothing and a seat belt, even in low light conditions. The 10-second video of the offence and the picture are enough evidence to issue a ticket. People can use the Dubai Police app to send an objection if there was a mistake.”

Motorists caught not wearing their seat belt face fines of up to Dh400 ($109), as well as being given four black points on their driving licence.

Seatbelts

The capabilities of the new cameras stretch beyond detecting whether somebody has their seat belt on, Brig Karam said. “The radar can also catch distracted drivers who use mobile phones while driving. The radar detects hand movements and assesses whether a driver is using their mobile. Distracted driving is a major contributor to accidents,” he told a press conference on Wednesday.

“In the past, officers used to stand at intersections to catch offenders in the act but the new technology will issue a fine immediately. It is part of transforming Dubai into a smart city. Our aim is to make the roads safer using cutting-edge technology.”

Another facet of the upgraded camera system is its capacity to detect if someone has souped-up their car so the engine is louder than is legally permitted.

“Dubai Police have installed new radar aimed at curbing the activities of noisy drivers,” Brig Karam said. "These innovative radars are capable of capturing sound and video, as well as measuring the noise levels of passing vehicles in decibels."

Those motorists who are caught with illegally modified engines face a fine of Dh2,000 and 12 black points on their licence. Drivers are allowed up to 24 black points a year before their licence is suspended. A fine is issued if the noise from an engine exceeds 95 decibels.

What offences can be detected?

• Exceeding the maximum speed limit: Fines range from Dh300 to Dh3,000, with possible vehicle impoundment and black points
• Jumping a red light: Dh1,000 fine, 30-day vehicle impoundment and 12 black points
• Failure to maintain mandatory lane discipline: Dh400
• Heavy vehicles not staying in mandatory lane: Dh1,500 and 12 black points
• Driving in the wrong direction against the flow of traffic: Dh600, seven-day vehicle impoundment and four black points
• Driving on the hard shoulder: Dh1,000, vehicle impounded for 30 days and six black points
• Not wearing a seat belt: Dh400 and 4 black points
• Using mobile phone or being distracted while driving: Dh800 and 4 black points
• Exceeding 50 per cent tint limit on vehicle window: Dh1,500
• Failing to maintain safe distance between vehicles: Dh400 and 4 black points
• Driving with excessive noise from engine: Dh2,000 and 12 black points
• Not giving way to pedestrians at designated crossing areas: Dh500 and 6 black points
• Making a U-turn in non-designated area: Dh500 and 4 black points
• Driving with expired registration: Dh500 and 4 black points
• Stopping in the middle of the road without good reason: Dh1,000 and 6 black points
• Heavy vehicle entering prohibited areas: Dh1,000 and 4 black points
• Stopping behind other vehicles and blocking their movement: Dh500

Dubai's latest patrol car: in pictures

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  The M01 at the World Police Summit, which brings together law enforcement officers, police departments and organisations from more than 50 countries. All photos: Salam Al Amir / The National

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  The M02 is buggy-like and can drive on narrow roads.

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  The Dubai-built police vehicle Giath is custom made and equipped with artificial-intelligence systems.

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  The Giath is on display at the inaugural World Police Summit in Dubai.

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  The next generation of patrol cars at the World Police Summit.

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  The M01 will be able to drive on all roads.

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  The Giath at the World Police Summit at Expo 2020 Dubai.