ABU DHABI // Drivers who use quad bikes on the roads will be fined and rental operators who break new regulations face having their machines impounded. The Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has issued new regulations to control the use of quad bikes and jet skis because of the dangers posed by the machines. Under the rules, quad bikes may not be used on asphalt roads and the minimum age for riders is 16. The minimum age for a jet ski licence is 14.
Younger drivers must be accompanied by an adult and must wear protective gear. Vehicles must also be fully insured. Companies hiring out the bikes will also be subject to strict regulations and are required to operate only in off-road areas. Their operator's licence will be renewable, but valid for only one year. Jet skis must also be licensed by the RTA and can be used only in designated UAE waters.
The RTA said all rental shops would be subject to inspections to ensure compliance and that vehicles would be impounded if violations were found. The regulations had been approved by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, said the RTA in a statement. Dubai Police have also launched a campaign to tackle unregistered quad bikes being used in undesignated or residential areas. Registering or renewing registration for a quad costs Dh300, with an additional Dh100 as a vehicle-inspection fee. A rental licence costs Dh1,000.
Registering a jet ski costs Dh500 for private owners and Dh3,000 for businesses. Inspection fees are Dh200 and Dh500 for jet skis used for racing. The licence for a jet ski driving instructor is Dh1,000. First-time violators on a quad will be fined between Dh100 and Dh500, which will double for a second violation. After three offences the vehicle will be impounded for one month. For a first offence, private owners of jet skis will be fined between Dh200 and Dh500 and the RTA will impound their vehicles for up to two weeks. The fine rises to between Dh400 and Dh1,000 for a second offence and the vehicle will be impounded for up to one month.
Third-time violators will pay between Dh600 and Dh1,500 with the possibility of losing their vehicle indefinitely. Businesses that violate regulations will be fined between Dh200 and Dh2,000 for the first offence in addition to having the vehicle impounded for up to a week. The fine can reach Dh4,000 for a second offence and Dh6,000 for a third. The operator's licence may be suspended indefinitely.
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