13,000 red light violations recorded in Abu Dhabi

abu dhabi — Thousands of motorists were fined for jumping red lights in Abu Dhabi last year, according to Abu Dhabi Police.

New figures from the Abu Dhabi Traffic and Patrols Directorate have showed that 13,000 violations were recorded against drivers for jumping red lights in 2017.

The errant drivers were identified by the hi-tech and noflash cameras that were fitted at various intersections on Abu Dhabi roads.

Brigadier Ahmed Al Shehhi, deputy director of Traffic and Patrols Directorate said jumping red lights caused more than 6 percent of the total road accidents last year.

“Running a red light is one of the most dangerous traffic violations, as proven by the deaths and serious injuries in accidents due to that violation,” he said.

“Motorists should adhere to the designated speed limits, avoid over speeding to reach the destinations in shorter times.”

The official also warned of the dangers of jumping red traffic lights, and asked motorists to give themselves the sufficient time to reach their destination safely, and to remember that driving has its morals. Al Shehhi warned that violators of traffic laws including jumping red lights will not be tolerated.

Jumping a red light, according to the traffic law No.178 of 2017 carries a fine of Dh1,000, 12 black point recorded against the driver’s license and the vehicle is impounded for 30 days.

Heavy trucks caught jumping the red light are fined Dh3,000 and the driver’s licence is suspended for a year.

Abu Dhabi Police had in the recent years introduced new cameras that use state-of-the-art infrared, no-flash technology to capture different offences.

The cameras capture offences such as running red lights, wrongful use of lanes, vehicles trespassing over pedestrian lines, excessive speed and making turns or u-turns from unspecified lanes.