Car accidents can occur due to a variety of reasons; more often than not, negligence constitutes a key contributing factor. The statistical analysis of the number of car accidents in the UAE is currently at 6 per 100,000 people. Fines are typically imposed for traffic violations in the United Arab Emirates according to the Federal Traffic Law that came into effect on 1 July 2017 (‘Traffic law’). The list of fines for traffic violations is often updated annually and regularly published by all emirates. The traffic regulations are imposed in tune with the UAE’s vision to bring down the number of traffic casualties from 6 per 100,000 people to 3 per 100,000.

The following key steps are to be followed when involved in a car accident:

UAE enforces strict traffic laws in order to further its goal for safer roads. While minor traffic violations might invite-only fines, for the more serious traffic violations, stricter penalties, including jail terms, can be imposed, especially when the safety of others is put at risk.

For instance, reckless driving will invite fines, black points and also impounding of the vehicle: Driving a vehicle in a way that jeopardizes the driver or others’ lives or their safety or security or driving a vehicle in a way that may cause damage to the public and private facilities: Aed 2000 in fines and 23 black points and the vehicle would be impounded for 60 days for light vehicle.

However, as stated for the more serious traffic violations, the penalty for the said offence is adjudged by the Court and may include imprisonment and fines. This is in respect of more serious offences such as: