Coronavirus: UAE police say more than three members of a family can travel in one car

Drivers are exempt from wearing a face mask if travelling alone

Police in the UAE have announced more than three people can now travel in one car if they are from the same family. Pawan Singh / The National

The UAE has eased travel restrictions to allow more than three people to travel in a car if they are from the same family.

Col Saif Al Mazrouei, director of the General Department of Traffic at Dubai Police, said family members and first-degree relatives were exempt from the restriction imposed to curb the spread of Covid-19.

“Dealing with a vehicle’s passengers who are from the same family will be different from that involving people who are not related,” he said.

“This comes to boost family ties and to avoid leaving children home alone.”

Dubai Police clarified the rule after a similar announcement was made by police in Abu Dhabi.

On March 23, the Ministry of Interior and the National Emergency and Crisis and Disasters Management Authority urged the public to use their own cars, with a maximum of three people allowed in a vehicle, including the driver.

A fine of Dh1,000 could be issued if more than three people who are not from the same family are found to be in one car.

Col Al Mazrouei said drivers were exempt from wearing a face mask if they were travelling alone.

But masks must be worn if there are at least two people in the same vehicle.

“We trust the public to follow precautionary measures, mainly maintaining social distance and avoiding any gatherings for the safety of all,” he said.