Dubai Police have seized a vehicle and taken legal action against its driver after a video showing a series of high-speed traffic breaches went viral on social media.
Footage shared online shows the black vehicle, which resembles the fictional Batmobile from the Batman franchise, driving at high speeds while modifications cause flames to burst from the exhaust and the engine is excessively loud.
Brig Juma bin Suwaidan, acting director of the General Department of Traffic, confirmed that traffic patrols had tracked down the vehicle after it was filmed performing dangerous stunts across Dubai, posing a direct threat to public safety. The vehicle has since been impounded.
“The road is not a stage for stunts or risky experiments,” Brig bin Suwaidan said.
“Such behaviours are not only a nuisance but are extremely dangerous. Illegal modifications and reckless driving can lead to severe accidents, distract other road users, and cause a loss of vehicle control.”
The driver now faces strict legal measures, including a fine of up to Dh10,000 ($2,720) to release the impounded vehicle, which appears to be a Lamborghini.
Brig bin Suwaidan explained that Dubai Police use the latest technology and digital monitoring to identify offenders, whether through field patrols or by investigating content shared on social media.
“Maintaining calm and discipline on our roads is a shared responsibility,” he said. “We urge all motorists to respect traffic laws, avoid illegal vehicle modifications and ensure the safety and peace of our community.”
What are the rules about noisy vehicles?
Under the federal traffic law, owners of vehicles that make noise louder than 95 decibels can be fined Dh2,000 and get 12 black points on their licences.
In October, the Dubai Civility Committee held its inaugural meeting, led by Mohammad Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs, with senior directors of several Dubai entities in attendance.
“A city’s civilisation is measured not only by its buildings and economy, but by its spirit and values, the ethics of its people, the cleanliness of its streets, the beauty of its details, the refinement of residents’ behaviour and their respect for regulations, and its unique urban identity,” Mr Al Gergawi said.
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Stamp duty timeline
December 2014: Former UK finance minister George Osbourne reforms stamp duty, replacing the slab system with a blended rate scheme, with the top rate increasing to 12 per cent from 10 per cent:
Up to £125,000 - 0%; £125,000 to £250,000 – 2%; £250,000 to £925,000 – 5%; £925,000 to £1.5m: 10%; Over £1.5m – 12%
April 2016: New 3% surcharge applied to any buy-to-let properties or additional homes purchased.
July 2020: Rishi Sunak unveils SDLT holiday, with no tax to pay on the first £500,000, with buyers saving up to £15,000.
March 2021: Mr Sunak decides the fate of SDLT holiday at his March 3 budget, with expectations he will extend the perk unti June.
April 2021: 2% SDLT surcharge added to property transactions made by overseas buyers.
How to keep control of your emotions
If your investment decisions are being dictated by emotions such as fear, greed, hope, frustration and boredom, it is time for a rethink, Chris Beauchamp, chief market analyst at online trading platform IG, says.
Greed
Greedy investors trade beyond their means, open more positions than usual or hold on to positions too long to chase an even greater gain. “All too often, they incur a heavy loss and may even wipe out the profit already made.
Tip: Ignore the short-term hype, noise and froth and invest for the long-term plan, based on sound fundamentals.
Fear
The risk of making a loss can cloud decision-making. “This can cause you to close out a position too early, or miss out on a profit by being too afraid to open a trade,” he says.
Tip: Start with a plan, and stick to it. For added security, consider placing stops to reduce any losses and limits to lock in profits.
Hope
While all traders need hope to start trading, excessive optimism can backfire. Too many traders hold on to a losing trade because they believe that it will reverse its trend and become profitable.
Tip: Set realistic goals. Be happy with what you have earned, rather than frustrated by what you could have earned.
Frustration
Traders can get annoyed when the markets have behaved in unexpected ways and generates losses or fails to deliver anticipated gains.
Tip: Accept in advance that asset price movements are completely unpredictable and you will suffer losses at some point. These can be managed, say, by attaching stops and limits to your trades.
Boredom
Too many investors buy and sell because they want something to do. They are trading as entertainment, rather than in the hope of making money. As well as making bad decisions, the extra dealing charges eat into returns.
Tip: Open an online demo account and get your thrills without risking real money.
