Video: Abu Dhabi Police arrest three motorists for reckless driving

Officers fine people who gather to watch dangerous road stunts in Al Ain

Abu Dhabi Police arrested three young men in Al Ain who performed stunts in their cars late at night. Officers also fined onlookers.

A video of the stunts, showing vehicles being driven in reverse, was shared by Abu Dhabi Police on its social media channels.

Officers said the three men paraded their vehicles in the public street, raced on motorways and in residential areas from late at night until morning in a dangerous manner.

The three drivers were referred to the public prosecutor.

Maj Gen Ahmed Saif Al Muhairi, director of the central operations sector at Abu Dhabi Police, said there would be no leniency for reckless drivers who "endanger their lives and the lives of others, cause material and psychological damage, intimidate pedestrians, and risk their safety".

"Motorists will be arrested and their vehicles will be seized. They will be referred to the judiciary and legal action will be taken against them," Maj Gen Al Muhairi said.

He urged people not to drive recklessly and to refrain from dangerous races and parades.

Maj Gen Al Muhairi urged parents to monitor their children’s behaviour and to encourage them to adhere to the laws.

He said the penalty for driving a vehicle in a way that endangers the driver’s life or the lives of others, or for driving a vehicle in a manner that would harm public or private facilities, is a fine of Dh2,000 ($544) and 23 black points on a licence. The vehicle would be seized for 60 days.

Offenders have to pay Dh50,000 to have their impounded vehicle released. It is held until the release fine is paid, for a maximum period of three months.

If the fine is not paid, the vehicle is taken to public auction and alternative penalties will be applied, such as cleaning streets as a social service, which would be in place of a custodial sentence.