Abu Dhabi Police issue video footage after five arrested for reckless driving

Force highlights risks of dangerous overtaking – including on hard shoulder – and tailgating

Abu Dhabi Police have arrested five people for reckless driving after they were caught on camera committing serious traffic offences − including dangerous overtaking and tailgating.

Officers issued a safety plea to the public after sharing footage of drivers putting others at risk by cutting across lanes without warning, failing to leave safe distances and using the hard shoulder to overtake vehicles during heavy traffic.

The Traffic Directorate and Security Patrols at Abu Dhabi Police warned drivers against illegal overtaking and changing lanes without due care and attention.

E-scooter scourge: Police call on public to report dangerous riders

Read More

It also warned drivers not to use the hard shoulder - reserved for emergency service vehicles and in case of a breakdown - to overtake other vehicles.

Abu Dhabi has a network of cameras in place on its roads to help deter speeding and other forms of dangerous driving, and to track down offenders.

Those who drive in a way that “endangers the life of the driver or the lives, safety, or security of others” can fined Dh2,000 ($544), have up to 23 black points imposed on their licence and have their vehicle impounded for 60 days.

Drivers must pay Dh50,000 to have a seized vehicle released. If this fee is not paid, the car will be put up for auction.

Abu Dhabi Police regularly posts footage on social media of motorists causing accidents by flouting traffic rules, to raise awareness of the consequences of reckless driving.

Traffic accidents in the UAE increased by 8 per cent last year, with 4,748 recorded across the country, compared to 4,391 in 2023, figures from the Ministry of Interior show.