The Ministry of Interior and police departments in the UAE have explained out the types of traffic offences that result in vehicle impoundment as a deterrent for those who break the rules. There are 22 types of traffic offences that lead to vehicle impoundment.
The impoundment period depends on the type of the offence. This can be anything from seven days to 90 days, with varying fines and black points on driver’s licence for each offence.
The vehicle must be impounded for 90 days with fine of Dhs3,000 and 23 points if its driver commits any of the following offences:
1. Driving a vehicle without number plates.
2, Riding a recreational bike in unauthorised areas.
3. Driving dangerously.
4. Venturing into valleys and surface run-offs, regardless of their level of danger requires impoundment for 60 days, fine of Dhs2,000 and 23 points.
5. Driving under the influence of alcohol leads to impoundment of the vehicle for 60 days with Dhs3,000 fine and 23 points.
6. Causing the death of a person leads to impoundment of the vehicle for 60 days with Dhs3,000 fine and 23 points,
7. Using a vehicle to transport hazardous materials without a licence leads to impoundment of the vehicle for 60 days with Dhs3,000 fine and 24 points.
8. Using a vehicle to transport flammable materials without a licence leads to impoundment of the vehicle for 60 days with Dhs3,000 fine and 24 points.
The vehicle must also be impounded for 30 days if it has been used in any of the following offences:
9. Jumping the red light (light vehicles or motorbikes), with a fine of Dh1,000 and 12 points,
10. Exceeding the speed limit by more than 60 km, with 12 points and a fine of Dhs2,000.
11. Running away from a traffic police officer, with 12 points and a fine of Dhs800.
12. Causing a serious accident or injuries, with 23 points and a fine of Dhs1,000.
13. Making changes to the vehicle’s engine or base without a licence, with 12 points and a fine of Dhs1,000.
14. Using the vehicle to transport passengers without a licence, with 24 points and a fine of Dhs3,000.
The following offences will result in a 15-day impoundment:
15. Exceeding the speed limit by no more than 60 km will result in 6 points and a fine of Dhs1,500.