ABU DHABI // Emirates Driving Company have begun a traffic black points reduction programme. The safety programme will give motorists the opportunity to reduce the number of black points on their licence through lessons consisting of theory tuition and a simulator course.
Participants are taught about safe driving and adhering to traffic rules, instilling proper driver behaviour, keeping a safe distance between vehicles and controlling the vehicle.
The programme is the latest to help traffic offenders rectify their ways. Last week, Abu Dhabi Police set up a counter at its vehicle licensing department to raise awareness of the training and rehabilitation programme.
Employees at the counter will answer questions and register those who are willing to take part in the course.
Meanwhile, here’s what you need to know:
How to do it
• Fill in and submit the registration application (in Arabic) for the requested course to the community service department.
• Pay the programme fees at any of the accredited driving institutes such as the Emirates Driving Company in Musaffah.
• Attend the training course at the specified time.
• Receive a certificate upon completing the programme.
• Receive an SMS confirming the reduction of the black points.
Required document
• Driving licence or Emirates Identity card.
Fee
• Dh550 for three lessons.
• Dh850 for five lessons.
Contact
• Call the police services line on 600 566 006; send an email to community.s.d@adpolice.gov.ae; or visit their website, www.adpolice.gov.ae.
The fine print
• The number of traffic black points should not be more than 24 when enrolling on the course.
• A driver is allowed to join the programme only once a year for each traffic case.
• Only eight black points are reduced for each course.
• Drivers with 72 black points will have their licences revoked.
• Drivers with temporary driving licences who accumulate 24 black points for the first time, risk a six-month licence suspension. The licence will not be returned unless the driver passes a traffic safety course.
• Licences for heavy vehicles will be revoked for causing a flip-over accident, jumping a red light, or dangerous overtaking.
• For permanent driving licences, more than 24 black points in a year will result in a three-month licence suspension, with another 24 points bringing a six-month suspension, and a third set of 24 points bringing a year’s ban. The licence will not be returned unless the driver passes a traffic safety course.
• Drivers who reach 24 black points four times have their licence permanently cancelled.
rruiz@thenational.ae
