100% traffic fine waiver to continue in Dubai

Dubai — Traffic fines to the tune of more than half-a billion dirhams were waived off by the Dubai police last year under a fine settlement initiative.

Colonel Juma Salim Bin Suwaidan, Deputy director of the traffic department at the Dubai Police, told the media that 557,430 motorists were able to save DH546,970,930 under the initiative. He also confirmed that the initiative has been renewed for a second year, beginning february 6, 2020.

Under the initiative, motorists who did not commit any violations for three months could get a 25 per cent discount on their accrued fines. No violations for six months would entitle them to a 50 per cent discount. Driving safely for nine months meant a 75 per cent discount and 100 per cent discount was offered for not committing any violations in a year.

Colonel Juma Salim bin Suwaidan, deputy director of the Traffic Department at the Dubai Police, revealed that an Emirati woman, who had Dh150,000 fines accrued on her two vehicles, received a 100 per cent discount on her fines.

Amira Ismael wasn’t able to renew the licences of the vehicles for more than two years because of the huge fine. She was unable to use the cars. According to Arabic media reports, a police officer called her and said that she received a 100 per cent discount on her fines. Amira thanked the police for the gesture, saying that she could not thank them enough. Another person received a full discount on his Dh60,000 fines that cumulated on his vehicle after he left the country in 2010, leaving his car parked in Dubai. When he returned in 2019, Eiad Zalatimo found that his vehicle, which was stolen, had fines of Dh60,000.

He reported the matter to the police, saying that his car was stolen. The police have removed all the fine, after knowing that his vehicle’s location is unknown.