Families exempted from car passenger limits: Cops

ABU DHABI — Following the threepassenger limit for vehicles has been a challenge for several families as they adhere to Covid precautions. So, the Abu Dhabi and Dubai Police responded with a new rule: Members of the same family are now allowed to travel in one vehicle. First-degree relatives have also been excluded from the cap.

The move comes after families, especially those with more than one child, have complained about always having to leave some members behind when they have to go out. Some haven’t been outdoors for more than two months now, they said.

The new rule now comes as a relief. A fine of Dh1,000 will now be imposed only on cabbies and ride-hail drivers who would be caught with more than three passengers in their vehicles, the Abu Dhabi Police said.

“Members of the same family should no longer be worried about this fine,” they added.

The Dubai Police also rolled out the same policy. Brig Saif Muhair Al Mazroui, director of the General Department of Traffic in Dubai, has confirmed in a post that families can now travel in one vehicle together, without limits on the number of passengers.

Back in March — as part of precautionary measures to curb the spread of Covid-19 — the UAE government has started urging residents to use their own vehicles, with a maximum of three passengers to a car.

Recently, some Covid restrictions across the country have been eased gradually. People have been allowed to move around within certain periods. Malls, shops and markets have also been reopened, provided that safety measures are strictly followed. In the Capital, all mall employees were even required to undergo Covid tests.

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