Picture for illustrative purposes only. EXPAT MEDIA

The UAE’s Ministry of Interior has announced three new traffic laws to enhance motorists' safety during heavy rain and weather emergencies, particularly in valleys. Brigadier Engineer Hussein Al Harthi, Chairman of the Federal Traffic Council, said the new laws are part of the UAE’s vision to become to safest country in the world. Here are the laws:

No gathering near valleys and dams during rainfall

Under the new law, it is prohibited for motorists to gather near valleys and dams when it is raining. Violators will be fined Dh1,000 and given six black points in their traffic file.

Do not enter flooded valleys

It is now illegal for motorists to enter flooded valleys, regardless of the level of danger. The fine for violating this rule is Dh2,000, plus a 60-day vehicle impoundment and 23 black points in the driver’s traffic record.

No obstruction of rescue, traffic operations

The amendments also prohibit motorists from obstructing authorities from performing their duties related to traffic management, ambulance services, and rescue operations during emergencies, disasters, heavy rainfall, and valley flowing with rainwater. The fine for violators is Dh1,000, plus a 60-day impoundment of vehicles and four black points in the driver’s traffic record. The amended traffic law also urged all users, including pedestrians, to “exercise utmost care and caution”, particularly during rainy weather. Motorists are expected not to endanger their lives or the lives of others, abide by traffic regulations, signs, and signals, comply with instructions from police officers, stay in their designated lanes, and follow guidance of police, traffic, civil defense, emergency, disaster, and crisis management personnel in emergency situations. Road users are also expected to avoid causing unnecessary harm, hindrance, or disturbance to others. ICA/Expat Media
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