Tough measures for road safety

Drag racers, recreational motorcyclists caught riding on paved roads and illegally modified vehicles could face seizure under a new law issued by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai.

According to Decree No 29 of 2015, police can seize a vehicle if its owner has accrued more than Dh6,000 in fines, if it is being driven by someone whose licence has expired more than three months prior, and if it is being driven in a reckless manner. This also applies to motorists who try to evade the police in their vehicles.

Motorists can expect to pay a hefty fine if their car is impounded or if it has been used in drag racing.

The fine is Dh50,000 if a motorcyle is used on a paved road.

The law is in place to ensure traffic safety and reduce accidents, the state news agency Wam reported.

Last week, Sheikh Mohammed issued a law regulating the disposition of impounded vehicles in the emirate.

The law establishes a committee that will sell the vehicles at public auction.

Dubai Police will have permission to auction impounded cars after three months if the owner does not take the necessary measures to reclaim it.

The law also states that a non-Emirati driver of a heavy-duty truck will be deported if they cross a red light.