Abu Dhabi Police warn distracted drivers as red-light fines hit $13,600

Abu Dhabi Police have issued a warning to motorists to maintain full concentration while navigating intersections and traffic signals, cautioning that brief distractions remain a leading cause of serious road accidents in the emirate.

The advisory places particular emphasis on the dangers of driver inattention while crossing traffic lights and making left turns, situations that police say frequently result in severe collisions.

As part of efforts to raise public awareness, Abu Dhabi Police, in coordination with the Monitoring and Control Centre, released video footage showing real-life accidents caused by a lack of focus and sudden vehicle deviations.

Abu Dhabi Police warning

The capital’s police force stressed that multitasking behind the wheel, including mobile phone use and other distracting behaviours, poses a significant risk to public safety.

Drivers were urged to remain alert to pedestrian movement, road signs and signals, and to strictly follow the instructions of traffic patrol officers.

Abu Dhabi Police reminded motorists of the severe legal consequences stipulated under Law No. (5) of 2020 concerning vehicle impoundment for red-light violations.

Penalties include:

• A fine of AED1,000 ($272) and 12 black points added to the driver’s record
• 30-day vehicle impoundment
• A release fee of AED50,000 ($13,613) to reclaim the impounded vehicle
• A six-month driving licence suspension, starting from the date of withdrawal

The police clarified that failure to pay the AED50,000 ($13,613) release fee within three months will result in the vehicle being referred for sale at a public auction.

Abu Dhabi Police said the campaign serves as a reminder that road safety is a shared responsibility and that strict adherence to traffic laws is essential to protecting lives and property across the capital’s road network.