DUBAI // As the UAE’s 43rd National Day approaches, Dubai’s police chief has urged motorists not to go overboard when decorating their cars in the country’s colours.
Maj Gen Khamis Al Muzeina has urged people planning to dress up their vehicles to make sure they are still safe to use on the roads – for themselves and other drivers.
“We remind motorists that they are not allowed to put any banners on their front and back windshields,” he said. “If police see that decorations are blocking the driver’s view in any way, the proper legal procedures will be taken.”
Anyone caught driving dangerously faces having their vehicle impounded as well as being fined, said Col Said Al Mazrouei, director of the general department of traffic police.
He warned that officers would not take it easy on anyone breaking traffic rules, and told motorists not to use the holiday as an excuse to act recklessly.
“We will fine drivers and/or impound vehicles we see causing chaos or having excessive decorations reducing visibility,” he said, adding that passengers should not lean out of windows or sunroofs.
“We want people to abide by the rules so there will be no injuries or deaths. Last year, a man died because he fell out of the car’s sunroof. If people are caught doing this, they will be fined Dh1,000, receive 12 black points, and have their car impounded for 30 days.”
Motorists caught disrupting traffic will be fined Dh2,000, have 12 black points put on their licence and will have their vehicles impounded for 30 days.
Those who are playing loud music in their cars or honking excessively will be fined Dh500, with six black points and have their vehicles impounded for 30 days.
Last year, Dubai Police impounded 88 vehicles and seven motorcycles for reckless driving during the National Day holiday.
To protect the public and make sure the celebrations go smoothly, Col Al Mazrouei said patrols would be stepped up in areas most frequented by the public during the holidays.
“We are of course going to be present in all places where there will be celebrations, as well as other areas in the emirate, as usual,” he said.
“We will also be monitoring and making sure traffic flows smoothly in areas where there are expected to be detours and congestions especially near the area of Burj Al Arab, where there will be celebrations.
“Vehicles with no permits will not be allowed in the area where the celebrations will be taking place.”
Col Al Mazrouei said people should try to avoid areas such as Jumeira, Al Mamzar, Al Warqa, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard, Al Khaleej Street and Al Rigga.
dmoukhallati@thenational.ae
