Almost 90 caught jumping red lights every day

Dubai Police detected an average of 87 cars a day driving through red lights last year, data has shown.

The force recorded 31,783 such offences.

Maj Gen Saif Al Mazroui, director of the General Department of Traffic at Dubai Police, said some motorists increased their speed when the signal changes from green to amber.

“It is a wrong behaviour to accelerate, as the signal turns red in a fraction of a second,” he said.

“Waiting for a few seconds or an extra minute is better than committing a serious offence or causing a deadly accident.”

The second most common reason for jumping red lights was not paying attention or being distracted while driving, Maj Gen Al Mazroui said.

Police said the offenders had received 12 black points and a Dh1,000 ($272) fine.

The vehicles involved were confiscated for a month and owners were ordered to pay a Dh3,000 release fee.

Motorists who jump red lights in Abu Dhabi face stiffer penalties than in other emirates.

According to the UAE’s federal traffic law, covering all the emirates, vehicles will be confiscated for 30 days and 12 black points added to the motorist’s driving licence.

To release a car from the compound, owners must pay a Dh3,000 fee.

In September 2020, however, Abu Dhabi introduced a law requiring drivers who commit serious traffic offences to pay Dh50,000 to have their cars released.

Drivers who jump a red light also have their licence confiscated for six months.

If fines are not paid and impounded cars are not claimed within three months, the vehicles are auctioned.

The force said 2,850 drivers were fined in 2021 for jumping red lights, often due to distracted driving and lack of attention.