By Mohammad El Sadafy

The Federal Traffic Council of the UAE has approved a raft of new and amended traffic laws for the country.

Major General Mohammed Saif Al Zafeen, Dubai’s Assistant Police Commander for Operations and head of the council said in a press statement on Saturday that the council voted by a majority for the new traffic laws.

The new laws cover breaking the speed limit by more than 60kmph, getting out of a moving vehicle, smoking inside cars and new rules for heavy vehicles.

Speeding



According to Gen Zafeen the council has voted in favour of the new penalty for exceeding the speed limit by 60km to be Dh2,000 and impounding of the vehicle for two months.



Smoking in vehicles



He pointed out that the recommendation of the council during its last meeting to ban smoking in private vehicles is made in view of public safety and the danger from the vehicle catching fire.



The council has recommended offenders smoking in a private vehicle be fined Dh200 and 4 black points – the same as the fine for speaking on a mobile phone while driving.



Heavy vehicles



A new penalty for drivers of heavy vehicles - 3 tonnes or higher - who break a red light will increase from 12 to 23 black points and a fine of Dh5,000.



Major General Zafeen stressed that these amendments are not for the purpose of collection of fines or financial gain, but rather to deter offenders who are causing serious accidents and the killing of innocent people.

These reccomendations passed by the Traffic Council will now go to the Cabinet for clearance.



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