Dubai: Motorists involved in street racing will see their vehicles impounded and will have to shell out Dh100,000 to get their cars released, a new decree issued by His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, stipulates.

Issued in his capacity as Ruler of Dubai on Monday, the decree also authorises Dubai Police to impound quad bikes driven on paved roads without permission. Owners of the impounded quad bikes will have to pay Dh50,000 to get them released.

Aimed at ensuring traffic safety, reducing traffic accidents and preserving lives and properties, Decree No 29 of 2015 also specifies the conditions for mandatory impoundment of vehicles by Dubai Police.

The decree authorises Dubai Police to impound vehicles with traffic fines exceeding Dh6,000 or non-renewal of vehicle registration for more than three months without any valid reasons.

According to the decree, vehicles with speed boosters and other illegal modifications causing disturbance to others will also be seized by the police. Motorists driving recklessly or trying to dodge the police will also see their cars impounded.

In a recent decree Shaikh Mohammad also authorised Dubai Police to auction off impounded cars if the owner doesn’t make arrangements to release the car within three months of the vehicle’s seizure.

The car can be released by Dubai Police after the period of impoundment is observed or if the fee for the vehicle’s release and fines are paid.

The decree authorises Dubai Police to sell seized vehicles in a public auction as per the bylaws of Law No 23 of 2015 pertaining to dealing with impounded vehicles.

The decree also stipulates that non-Emirati heavy vehicle drivers that jump the red light will be deported.

Major General Khamis Mattar Al Muzeina, Dubai Police Chief, said the new decree will contribute towards protecting the lives of motorists and curb reckless driving on the road. He also praised Shaikh Mohammad for ensuring traffic safety and aiming to reduce accidents.

“This new decree will have a significant impact on road safety,” Maj Gen Al Muzeina said. “Police now have the right to seize a vehicle if a motorist is found participating in unauthorised street races. Vehicles with modifications intended to boost speed and performance will also be seized. If a motorist is found making excessive noise, we also have the right to confiscate his vehicle.”

With inputs from WAM