A police force in the UAE has warned motorists of the importance of safe driving during rainy weather and given details on fines for violations relating to weather.
Abu Dhabi Police took to social media to inform motorists over the fines and called on drivers to be safe during heavy rain and turbulence.
Offences include gathering near flooded areas and dams during rainy weather and also entering flooded valleys, with fines of up to AED2,000 ($544).
UAE rainy day traffic fines
Major Mahmoud Youssef Al-Balushi, Director of the Traffic and Patrol Directorate said motorists need to drive with discipline, especially during rainfall, and urged them to avoid reckless driving and negligence.
The Abu Dhabi Police department post on Instagram said under the new UAE traffic rules, it will be an offence to:
- Gather near valleys, flooded areas and dams during rainy weather. Motorists who do so face a fine of AED1,000 ($272) and receive six black points
- Enter flooded valleys while overflowing with rainwater, regardless of their level of danger. Motorists who do so face a fine of AED2,000 ($545) and receive 23 black points. They will also have their vehicle impounded for 60 days
- Obstruct the relevant authorities from regulating traffic; or ambulance and rescue vehicles during emergencies, disasters, crises and rains; and in flooded valleys. Motorists who do so face a fine of AED1,000 ($545) and receive four black points. They will also have their vehicle impounded for 60 days
The Director of the Traffic and Patrol Directorate underlined the importance of using windscreen wipers to keep visibility clear, maintaining working headlights and replacing old tyres with new tyres to maintain grip on roads.